Pakistani artist Mariyam Nafees has hit out at people poking their noses into her personal life. According to an entertainment portal, she stressed the need for basic decency.
She came down hard on people repeatedly questioning her about a second pregnancy and urged people to respect personal boundaries.
Mariyam Nafees began her acting career in 2015 with the drama Diyar-e-Dil, portraying Zarminey.
She appeared in several popular dramas, including Neem, Munafiq, Kamzarf, and Haya Ke Daaman Main.
She continues to use her platform to challenge societal norms and advocate for openness and authenticity, particularly concerning women's experiences and rights.
In November 2024, Mariyam announced her first pregnancy on Instagram, sharing joyful photos with her husband, filmmaker Amaan Ahmed, whom she married in March 2022.
She openly documented her journey, including images and reels showcasing her baby bump.
However, these posts attracted criticism from some social media users who felt that displaying a baby bump was inappropriate within Pakistan's conservative cultural context.
The backlash intensified after she posted a festive Christmas reel from London, where she was seen wearing a form-fitting dress and high heels, further fueling the controversy.
Mariyam responded assertively to the criticism, stating: "Pakistani awaam getting triggered seeing a bump as if they were dropped from the skies like they were told as toddlers."
"If you have a problem seeing a bump, unfollow and move on because I will be showing A LOT of it! I’m proud and amazed at what my/our body is capable of and I don’t shy away from flaunting it," she added.
In an interview, she further discussed the societal taboos surrounding pregnancy, questioning why women are expected to hide such a natural experience.
She emphasised the importance of being open about the challenges and joys of pregnancy, including physical changes and emotional experiences.
