Javeria Saud hits back at Iffat Omar for defending Saba Qamar’s remarks about Karachi

A new controversy has stirred in Pakistan’s entertainment industry as celebrities remain divided over actress Saba Qamar’s recent comments about Karachi. The debate has sparked an online exchange between artists from Karachi and Punjab, each sharing differing views on the city’s condition and infrastructure.

Saba Qamar’s remarks, made during a podcast, quickly went viral on social media, drawing criticism from users and several actors. In the interview, Saba stated that she would never consider moving to Karachi.

She said, “Astaghfirullah, though one shouldn’t say that as times can change, but I never moved to Karachi. I prefer Islamabad first, then Lahore, and lastly Karachi.”

Her comments triggered backlash, leading to heated discussions among celebrities, including actresses Iffat Omar and Javeria Saud.

Coming to Saba’s defense, Iffat Omar said, “What? Now what forced liking are we supposed to do? We go only for work, and if one doesn’t like the city, that’s okay.” She added, “Karachi is a very dirty city.”

Javeria Saud, however, expressed strong disapproval of Saba Qamar’s and Iffat Omar’s statements. Responding to their comments, Javeria said, “Karachi is not dirty, it’s people’s mindset that is dirty."

"Those who call it dirty are the same people who speak ill of their own country. Whether it’s Karachi or any other city of Pakistan, every corner of our homeland is dear to us,” she added.

As a resident of Karachi, Javeria further emphasized that portraying a negative image of the city is unfair and disheartening.