Maryam Nawaz Supports Women Battling Cancer After Captain Safdar Remarks
Maryam Nawaz Backs Women Battling Cancer Amid Controversy Over Captain Safdar’s Remarks
Islamabad: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed solidarity with women silently battling illnesses, saying some struggles remain hidden and some wounds are never visible. Her message comes amid widespread criticism of controversial remarks by her husband, Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar, about cancer among women.
In a post on social media platform X, Maryam Nawaz highlighted the emotional and physical challenges women face behind closed doors.
“It is heartbreaking how silently a woman and a wife fights battles behind closed doors. She has to gather courage even when she is breaking inside. Some battles are fought in silence, and some wounds are invisible,” she wrote.
Although Maryam did not directly mention Captain Safdar, her message was widely viewed as a response to the controversy surrounding his remarks, which have sparked criticism on social media.
The controversy erupted after a video of Captain (retd) Safdar addressing a religious gathering went viral. During his speech, he referred to the slogan “My Body, My Choice” while discussing cancer among women.
In the video, he questioned the slogan by suggesting that women who claim control over their bodies should also take responsibility for treating illnesses such as cancer themselves, while referring to seeking prayers and spiritual remedies when they become ill.
His comments drew strong criticism from social media users, who described them as insensitive and disrespectful towards cancer patients.
Several users also pointed out that Captain Safdar’s mother-in-law, Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, had herself battled cancer for an extended period before passing away in September 2018.
Journalists and Public Figures Express Support
Following Maryam Nawaz’s post, several journalists, politicians and social media users voiced support for her message and expressed solidarity with women affected by cancer.
Journalist Ajmal Jami shared his family’s experience, revealing that his mother had also suffered from cancer. He said only God knew how his family had endured that difficult period, adding that her survival had been nothing short of a miracle. He described Captain Safdar’s remarks as deeply shameful and regrettable and thanked Maryam Nawaz for speaking out.
Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry also appreciated Maryam Nawaz’s clear stance and expressed support for her position.
Journalist Muneeb Farooq said standing against such a shameful and misogynistic mindset required considerable courage. He extended his best wishes to Maryam Nawaz and the women of Pakistan.
Senior journalist Mubashir Zaidi also shared a message in support of Maryam Nawaz and Pakistani women.
Journalist Benazir Shah said taking such a clear public position required genuine courage.
Journalist Fereeha Idrees praised Maryam Nawaz, observing that calling things by their proper names was not always easy, particularly for someone constantly in the public eye.
Anchorperson Mona Alam also expressed solidarity with Maryam Nawaz and women battling cancer. Sharing her personal experience, she revealed that she was among those affected by cancer and had recently lost her mother to breast cancer.
She emphasised that cancer does not only take an individual’s life but also deeply affects the entire family.
The social media debate has once again drawn attention to the challenges faced by cancer patients and the importance of compassion, sensitivity and support for women undergoing treatment.
