Domestic Abuse, Jamal Shah Denies Claims
LAHORE: Pakistani actress Faryal Gohar has spoken publicly about alleged domestic violence during her marriage to actor and former caretaker federal minister Jamal Shah, saying she endured years of physical abuse and suffered a miscarriage.
Speaking on Nida Yasir’s morning show, where she appeared alongside actress Savera Nadeem, Gohar said she had experienced violence during her nine-year marriage. She alleged that she was beaten with a leather belt and kicked in the back, leaving her with persistent kidney pain that later required surgery.
Gohar also claimed that the violence contributed to the loss of a pregnancy involving twins. Recalling the pressure often placed on women to preserve marriages, she said traditional attitudes frequently encourage women to stay in difficult relationships in the hope that having children will resolve marital problems.
Her remarks, particularly her allegations of physical abuse and pregnancy loss, quickly circulated on social media. Many users called for Jamal Shah to respond to the claims.
Shah subsequently denied the allegations and defended himself in posts on X. He also accused the television channel of using the controversy to generate ratings.
According to Shah, his marriage to Gohar lasted five years rather than nine. He said the couple separated amicably and that he had no bitterness or regret regarding the relationship.
Shah further claimed that they married in 1984 and divorced in 1989. Addressing the pregnancy-loss allegation, he said Gohar suffered a miscarriage in 1985 after being bitten by a dog at Muniza Hashmi’s residence in Lahore.
Gohar, however, had described what she called her “last miscarriage” as involving twins and said a family doctor had noticed bruises and other marks on her body. According to her account, the doctor advised her to seriously reconsider the marriage rather than plan for more children.
Beyond her personal experience, Gohar used the discussion to highlight the wider issue of domestic violence. She called for greater awareness and said women experiencing abuse should be given the courage and support needed to speak out.
She also argued that efforts to prevent domestic violence should include educating boys from an early age about respect and non-violence, particularly toward people they may perceive as weaker.
The allegations and Shah’s subsequent denial have sparked renewed discussion online about domestic abuse, accountability and the importance of allowing all sides of a disputed personal account to be heard.