LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has described Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar’s controversial comments about women and cancer patients as “heartbreaking”, as his remarks sparked widespread criticism on social media.
Safdar came under fire after criticising the slogan Mera Jism, Meri Marzi (My Body, My Choice) during a Khatm-e-Nabuwwat gathering in Chiniot earlier this week.
In his speech, he questioned why women advocating control over their bodies seek prayers and religious intervention when diagnosed with serious illnesses, including cancer.
He argued that those who claim ownership of their bodies should also be able to cure themselves, adding that ultimate control over the human body rests with God.
Reacting to a post on X on Friday, Maryam referred to the challenges women face privately, expressing sympathy for their struggles and emotional pain.
“Heartbreaking. The silent battles a woman, a wife, fights behind closed doors… The strength she must find even when she feels like breaking. Some battles are fought in silence, and some wounds are invisible,” she wrote on her official account.
Maryam’s response also drew support from social media users, with several praising her for publicly addressing the matter.
Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry also commended the Punjab chief minister for taking what he described as a “clear stance”.
