“If Mahira Khan wears a burqa, how will she dance?”
Singer and political activist Jawad Ahmad has found himself at the centre of an intense social media backlash following remarks made during a recent podcast appearance.
The controversy erupted after a heated exchange with a female listener, whose criticism prompted Jawad Ahmad to respond sharply on air.
During the discussion, he advised the listener to reflect inwardly, stating that people should assess their own behaviour before questioning others.
Jawad Ahmad went on to argue that women today enjoy personal freedoms because of struggles led by people like himself.
However, the conversation took a contentious turn when he began offering examples related to women’s clothing and public visibility.
Referring to prominent figures, he mentioned that former prime minister Imran Khan’s wife wears a burqa.
He also spoke about his family, noting that Imran’s sisters cover their heads by personal choice.
The remarks escalated when he said: “If Mahira Khan wears a burqa, how will she dance?”
The statement quickly went viral and was widely condemned as disrespectful, reductive, and dismissive of women’s autonomy.
Social media platforms were flooded with criticism, with users questioning the appropriateness of linking women’s clothing choices to the argument.
Many commentators argued that such remarks reinforce harmful stereotypes rather than encourage meaningful discourse on women’s rights.
Others criticised Jawad Ahmad’s tone, stating that his manner of speaking lacked courtesy, particularly when addressing women publicly.
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The backlash also reignited broader conversations about the responsibility public figures carry when discussing sensitive cultural and social issues.
Several users pointed out that advocating freedom while policing women’s choices creates a contradiction.
The controversy gained further traction due to Jawad Ahmad’s legal troubles, which resurfaced during the online debate.
In January 2025, the singer was accused of electricity theft and assault following a raid at a beauty parlour owned by his wife.
During the inspection, Jawad Ahmad reportedly arrived at the location and confronted the officials conducting the raid.
Authorities alleged that the situation escalated when he physically attacked the LESCO team members.
A formal complaint was subsequently lodged at Lahore’s Nawab Town police station, accusing him of theft and violence.
Despite the criticism, Jawad Ahmad has not issued a clarification addressing the podcast remarks.
Supporters argue that his comments were taken out of context, while critics maintain that the language used was inappropriate.
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