Javeria Abbasi

The controversy surrounding actress Saba Qamar’s remarks about permanently relocating to Karachi continues to dominate discussions in Pakistan’s showbiz circles, with criticism and counter-responses still unfolding.

The latest reaction came during a podcast hosted by renowned television host and comedian Ahmed Ali Butt, where actress Javeria Abbasi appeared as a guest. Known for her graceful presence and strong acting skills, Javeria shared her views on the ongoing debate.

While speaking to Ahmed Ali Butt, Javeria Abbasi criticized Saba Qamar’s statement, saying that the city which gives an artist fame and recognition deserves respect. She added that such remarks are inappropriate and should be avoided.

Javeria further stated that every individual has an emotional attachment to their city, and no matter where one settles in the world, their hometown always holds a special place in their heart—something they neither speak against nor tolerate criticism of.

A clip from Javeria Abbasi’s interview quickly went viral on social media, once again igniting a heated debate among users, with opinions sharply divided between supporters and critics of Karachi.

Amid the renewed discussion, Saba Qamar shared an Instagram story clarifying her earlier remarks. She explained that the word “Astaghfirullah” is commonly used to seek forgiveness from Allah, and that her statement had been misunderstood by many.

In a subsequent post, Saba Qamar emphasized that everyone has the right to express their opinion. She stressed that freedom of expression is important and that no one should be forced to suppress their views due to fear or restrictions.

It is worth recalling that the controversy began when Saba Qamar, during an interview, responded with “Astaghfirullah” when asked about permanently moving to Karachi. The remark was widely criticized by Karachi residents, who found it offensive, triggering strong backlash against the actress at the time as well.