Saba Qamar Issues Meaningful Response to Backlash Over Karachi Comment

Pakistani actress Saba Qamar has broken her silence and issued a pointed response after facing significant criticism for a comment she made about the city of Karachi.

The controversy began during a recent podcast interview. When the host asked Qamar, “Would you ever want to move to Karachi permanently?”, she immediately replied with “Astaghfirullah” (an Arabic phrase meaning “I seek forgiveness from Allah”).

This quick and strong reaction was perceived by many, especially Karachi residents, as an insult to the city. She was heavily criticized on social media, with many users demanding an apology. Some pointed out the irony, noting that Karachi is the same city where she has worked and built her career.

Saba Qamar’s Response

After two days of silence, the actress addressed the backlash through an Instagram Story. Her response was meaningful and indirect, without offering a direct apology.

She wrote that she had been busy and only later saw how her “one thought or sentence” had been turned into “breaking news.” She defended her statement by clarifying that she was simply expressing her “thoughts and opinion” in response to the question.

The controversy also drew support from fellow actress Iffat Omar, who defended Qamar by stating, “If Karachi is dirty, then why is anyone being forced to like it?”

FAQs: Saba Qamar’s Karachi Comment

1. What did Saba Qamar say about Karachi?
In a podcast, when asked if she would move to Karachi permanently, she immediately responded with “Astaghfirullah,” which many interpreted as her saying she would never want to live there.

2. Why did people get angry?
People, especially from Karachi, felt her comment was disrespectful and insulting towards a city that has supported her career.

3. Did Saba Qamar apologize?
No, she did not issue a direct apology. Instead, she expressed surprise that her personal opinion was turned into “breaking news,” implying it was being blown out of proportion.

4. Who supported her?
Actress Iffat Omar defended her, arguing that people shouldn’t be forced to like a city if they have negative opinions about it, such as finding it dirty.

5. What was the main point of her response?
Her main point was that she was merely sharing a personal opinion and that the intense media and public reaction to it was unnecessary.