Retired Capt Muhammad Safdar, husband of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has come under criticism for making controversial remarks about women advocating bodily autonomy and those seeking prayers after being diagnosed with serious illnesses, including cancer.
Speaking at a Khatm-i-Nabuwwat rally in Chiniot earlier this week, Safdar criticised the slogan “Mera Jism, Meri Marzi” (My Body, My Choice), questioning why women who assert control over their bodies turn to religious scholars for prayers when they fall ill.
“They say, ‘My body, my choice.’ But when they fall ill or develop cancer, they turn to religious scholars, seeking prayers and blessed water for a cure. They should understand that if they claim ownership over their bodies, they should also be able to cure them. In reality, the human body is under God’s control,” he said.
His remarks drew further attention on Friday after Maryam Nawaz responded to a post on social media platform X referring to her husband’s speech.
The post pointed out that Safdar had also lost his mother-in-law to cancer, while criticising him for allegedly mocking women battling the disease.
Maryam’s mother, Kulsoom Nawaz, died in 2018 after a months-long battle with cancer.
