"Unlike the headlines, I've got actual work to finish."
Saba Qamar appeared on Green Entertainment’s podcast The Green Room, hosted by Ahmed Randhawa, and shared her personal feelings about Karachi.
During the show, she was asked: “Are you ready to move to Karachi for work?”
To this, she replied: “Astaghfirullah, never – but I shouldn’t say this; you never know what the future holds for me.
“I just go there, do my work, and come back. I like Islamabad and Lahore.
“I wouldn’t mind moving to Karachi if someone buys me a house there, although I’ve already built one for myself.”
She also said: “I don’t like Karachi. Shift all the projects being shot in Karachi to Islamabad.”
The actress’ remarks immediately triggered backlash on social media, with people criticising her choice of words and tone.
One user wrote: “The lady literally recited Astaghfirullah for Karachi. How cheap she is?”
Another said: “She comes to Karachi just to earn. Why does she work in Karachi’s dramas then?”
A third comment read: “Pendu Punjabi people have an obsession with Karachi.”
Television actress and host Mishi Khan also responded, saying:
“Saba Qamar recently said that she doesn’t want to live in Karachi and even said ‘Astaghfirullah’.
“Artists from Lahore come to Karachi to find work, gain recognition, and earn money through their craft.
“Saba herself has worked extensively in Karachi, so I didn’t like her saying that about the city.”
She further compared Saba’s remarks to actors in India, stating:
“People go to Mumbai to find work, but no artist has ever spoken ill of the city despite its problems.
“Everyone earns their livelihood and fame from Karachi. Speaking negatively about it wasn’t in good taste.
“Even if she had a bad experience, she could have expressed it differently.”
Mishi concluded: “We are all from Karachi, and we felt bad when she said ‘Astaghfirullah.’
“One should always respect the place that gives you fame, money, and respect.
“You must be careful with your choice of words.”
Following the criticism, Saba Qamar addressed the controversy on Instagram, writing:
“Breaking news: I have feelings and opinions. Shocking, right?”
“But unlike the headlines, I’ve got actual work to finish.”
Veteran actress Iffat Omar supported Saba, adding: “If Karachi is dirty, why should anyone be forced to like it?”
The debate has continued online, with fans divided over Saba Qamar’s statements.
Watch the Full Podcast:
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