KARACHI: With domestic violence cases reaching unprecedented levels across Pakistan, the issue has been starkly highlighted by the viral photos of news anchor Ayesha Jahanzeb’s abuse. In response, renowned actress Bushra Ansari took to her YouTube channel to publicly denounce all forms of physical and mental abuse against women.
“Women who are educated and independent should leave as soon as there is even one instance of physical abuse,” Bushra asserted. “The first time you get smacked or have your arm twisted, you should know that it will always be like this.”
While Bushra acknowledged that leaving an abusive relationship is not always feasible for women from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, she strongly condemned parents who fail to rescue their daughters from such marriages.
“The ones who make me the most angry are the parents who put their daughters’ lives in danger like this in the first place,” she said. “Why aren’t you doing something about it? If your child went to someone’s house and got slapped, you wouldn’t tolerate it – so why do you put up with it just because she is married? If your house is on fire and your child is inside, you would get them out. An abusive marriage is just like a house on fire.”
Bushra Ansari lamented that fear often dominates a woman’s life, whether it is fear of a parent, a teacher, or a husband. She advised all women to fear only Allah. “A young newly married woman doesn’t know this,” she added. “But once she realises it, she will slowly lose her fear of a man.”
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While emphasising that she was not advocating for the unnecessary breakup of homes, Bushra highlighted the importance of financial independence for women so they can have control over their own lives.
“All women should pick up a skill. Whether it is sewing, becoming a chef, or doing something online – it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you can support yourself,” stressed Bushra. “Once you aren’t worried about someone else keeping a roof over your head, you will have mental security.”
Bushra Ansari’s powerful message comes at a critical time, urging society to take a stand against domestic violence and advocating for the empowerment and independence of women across Pakistan.
