Sarah Khan Clarifies Feminism Remarks Amid Backlash

Addressing the Controversy: Sara Khan’s Stance on Feminism

Pakistani television star Sara Khan recently found herself at the center of heated discussions after her remarks on feminism in a private interview went viral. The actress, best known for her roles in popular serials like Sher, had stated that she was “not a big feminist” and had suggested, “men should be given the place that is created for them so that women can live in peace.” These comments sparked a wave of criticism, with many accusing her of undermining the feminist movement and holding regressive views about gender roles.

Public Reaction and Family Involvement

The backlash was swift and widespread, dominating social media platforms and drawing responses from various quarters. Political commentator Reham Khan publicly criticized Sara Khan’s statements and even involved her family in the conversation. In response, Sara’s sister, actress Noor Zafar Khan, stepped forward to defend her, adding to the public debate.

Sara Khan’s Clarification: Belief in Equality and Respect

In the wake of the controversy, Sara Khan addressed the issue directly through a detailed Instagram story. She clarified that her earlier statements had been misunderstood and that she is not opposed to women’s rights. “When I say I am not a feminist, it doesn’t mean I don’t believe in equality,” Khan wrote. She emphasized her belief in “equal respect, equal rights, and equal opportunities for women.”

Sara Khan drew a distinction between her own interpretation of feminism and what she described as “today’s feminism.” She stated that she is “a true, genuine feminist—one who believes a woman’s strength lies not in imitating men but in embracing her God-given femininity.” According to Khan, her vision of feminism involves celebrating traditional femininity rather than seeking validation through adopting roles typically associated with men.

Reframing Women’s Roles: Honor in Tradition

Taking her argument further, Khan asserted that women should be respected “as queens” and not expected to function like machines. She explained, “Women were not made to work like machines. We are made to build homes, raise children, and lead with dignity.” This perspective, while traditional, was framed as a choice rather than an imposition, with Khan insisting that respecting women should include accepting their decisions to embrace such roles.

Khan invoked the example of Hazrat Khadija (RA), a revered figure in Islamic history, to support her viewpoint. She described Hazrat Khadija as a woman who was accomplished in business yet remained deeply committed to her faith, family, and sense of purpose. “She had the right to work, and so do we. But she never lost her identity behind the validation of the outside world,” Khan noted.

Questioning Societal Double Standards

Sara Khan also addressed what she sees as double standards in modern society. She questioned why women who choose to work outside the home are often celebrated, while those who opt for traditional roles like raising children or managing households are looked down upon. “Since when has being a loyal wife or mother become inferior?” she asked. Khan argued that a woman’s worth should not be tied exclusively to her professional achievements.

A Call for Balanced Choices and Self-Definition

Emphasizing the importance of balance, Sara Khan stated, “A woman can be educated, courageous, and ambitious—but also gentle, dignified, and rooted. She doesn’t have to choose one of these; she can set the balance of her life herself.” Her message was clear: feminism should be about respecting women’s choices, whether they align with traditional roles or not.

Khan concluded her note by reaffirming that embracing femininity is a form of power, not weakness. She stated, “Feminism should not mean abandoning femininity… It is a divine power. Don’t exchange it for the idea of some power that takes us away from our true identity.”