Retired Captain Muhammad Safdar has faced criticism following his remarks about women advocating bodily autonomy and his description of late human rights activist and senior lawyer Asma Jahangir as “cursed”. The comments, made during a Khatm-i-Nabuwwat rally in Chiniot, prompted reactions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, social media users and leading lawyers’ organisations.
During his speech, Safdar criticised the slogan “Mera Jism, Meri Marzi” (My Body, My Choice). He questioned why women who advocate control over their bodies seek prayers and religious remedies when they face serious illnesses such as cancer. His remarks prompted criticism from people who viewed the comments as insensitive towards women dealing with illness and defending their right to bodily autonomy.
Maryam Nawaz responded to a post on X discussing her husband’s speech. Describing the situation as “heartbreaking”, she referred to the silent struggles faced by women and wives, highlighting the emotional challenges and invisible wounds many experience. Her response came amid public discussion about the comments and their reference to women battling cancer. Maryam’s mother, Kulsoom Nawaz, died in 2018 following a battle with cancer.
The remarks also generated reactions from social media users and journalists. Television anchor Ajmal Jami criticised Safdar’s comments, referring to his own family’s experience with cancer. Another social media user, Maheen Ghani, questioned the connection between women’s bodily autonomy, consent, religious beliefs and seeking medical or spiritual support during illness. Journalist Benazir Shah, meanwhile, praised Maryam Nawaz for publicly expressing her reaction.
Separate criticism followed Safdar’s description of Asma Jahangir as “cursed” during the rally. The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and the 28th executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) issued statements condemning the remarks about the late lawyer and human rights activist, who died in 2018.
PBC Vice Chairman Pir Muhammad Masood Chishti expressed concern over the language used against Jahangir and called on the relevant authorities to take notice and consider appropriate legal action. He said differences of opinion should not lead to personal attacks, hate speech, character assassination or religious intolerance. He also highlighted Jahangir’s contributions to the legal profession, human rights and the rule of law.
The Supreme Court Bar Association’s executive committee also criticised the comments, saying they had hurt the sentiments of the legal community. The association described Jahangir as a person who had devoted her life to justice, humanity and the rights of people without discrimination. It said her contributions to human rights should be recognised and respected.
The SCBA also condemned Safdar’s remarks about women and cancer, noting that many women around the world are dealing with the illness. Its statement called for the relevant authorities to take notice and proceed in accordance with the law, while warning that certain statements could have legal consequences.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to public discourse surrounding women’s rights, bodily autonomy, religious beliefs and respect for human rights figures. The reactions from Maryam Nawaz, social media users and lawyers’ organisations have kept Safdar’s remarks at the centre of public debate.
