"A woman must be deaf and dumb."
The internet erupted after actor Saba Faisal’s remarks on a morning show sparked intense debate about power dynamics inside joint family households.
During a December 8, 2025, appearance on Good Morning Pakistan, Saba Faisal spoke at length about obedience and adjustment in marital homes.
Addressing host Nida Yasir and a studio audience of young women, she offered what she described as guidance.
She said the biggest mistake a mother-in-law could make was allowing a bride autonomy over wedding clothes.
According to her, independent choices from the very beginning encourage habits that prioritise personal preference over family harmony.
She reflected on her own marriage from over four decades ago, recalling that most of her bridal dresses were designed by her sisters-in-law.
Only one outfit, she said, was made at her own insistence after encouragement from her father-in-law.
Saba also shared that she dressed formally every morning before breakfast on instructions from her mother-in-law.
She framed these practices as values belonging to earlier generations, describing them as foundations of peaceful domestic life.
Quoting her husband, she repeated advice suggesting silence at an in-laws’ house ensures long-term harmony.
“My husband says a woman must be deaf and dumb at her in-laws to maintain peace.”
She added that she was offering tips to help young women navigate married life successfully.
The comments quickly triggered backlash online, with viewers calling the advice outdated and authoritarian.
Actor Fiza Ali publicly criticised the segment, saying the ideas promoted control rather than affection.
Hira Khan questioned how such messaging was allowed on national television without being challenged.
Javeria Saud responded by stressing the importance of remaining aware and vocal in all spaces.
Social media users expressed disbelief that such views were being shared publicly in 2025.
One user remarked: “Presenting trauma as guidance to young girls causes lasting harm.”
Another dismissed the comments saying: “She is a pick me. Let’s move on.”
The criticism intensified when her daughter, Sadia Faisal, defended her mother with a brief online response.
Some viewers then urged television channels to stop offering platforms for messaging they considered harmful.
Amid growing outrage, Saba Faisal shared a video on Instagram explaining her perspective.
She said critics had misunderstood her remarks and accused many of not watching the complete discussion.
She apologised for using the phrase ‘deaf and dumb,’ clarifying she meant forgiving and overlooking issues.
However, she stood by her comments on wedding attire, reiterating that families must coexist long term.
She said a bride’s tastes should gradually merge with those of her husband’s mother and sisters.
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According to her, daughters-in-law also bring values that must blend into their new household.
Saba clarified she was not advocating force, but describing how she would act personally.
She said having family members choose clothes for a bride could be an expression of affection.
Despite the apology, the debate has reignited wider conversations about gender roles and consent in joint families.
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