Actress says her words were ‘misunderstood’ and reaffirms love for the city
Pakistani actress Saba Qamar has responded to the social media storm following her viral remarks about Karachi, saying her comments were taken out of context and not meant to offend anyone.
The Baaghi star clarified through her Instagram stories that she holds deep affection for the city and that her remarks on The Green Room podcast were “lighthearted” and “misinterpreted.”
The viral remark that sparked debate
During the podcast, Saba was asked whether she would consider relocating to Karachi for work — to which she instantly replied, “Astaghfirullah, never!”
The response, delivered in jest, quickly went viral and triggered a wave of criticism online. Many accused her of being “ungrateful,” arguing that much of her success came from Karachi-based productions.
Clarifying her stance, the 41-year-old actress said she simply prefers living in Lahore and Islamabad, only traveling to Karachi for work.
“I never meant to say anything against Karachi. It’s a beautiful city!” Saba wrote.
“I just spoke about the environment feeling unsafe at times. Some people misunderstood my words, but I really appreciate your support and clarity.”
She added that she was joking when she suggested she’d move permanently to Karachi only if someone bought her a house there — before noting that she already owns one in the city.
Social media reactions
Clips from the podcast spread rapidly across Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook, dividing opinions among fans and celebrities.
Some social media users labeled her remarks as dismissive, while others defended her right to personal comfort and preference.
Actor Yasir Hussain joined the discussion with a humorous Instagram story poking fun at the controversy — which Saba reshared, writing:
“You all are too funny. Peace, guys — Karachi is beautiful, just keep it clean and it’ll have my whole heart.”
Many fellow actors, including Iffat Omar and Zhally Sarhadi, also stepped in to balance the conversation — acknowledging Karachi’s challenges while reaffirming their love for the city’s vibrancy and resilience.
A familiar face in controversy
Known for her bold views and unapologetic honesty, Saba Qamar has often sparked debate with her candid remarks. However, she remains one of Pakistan’s most acclaimed actresses, celebrated for her performances in Baaghi, Kamli, Hindi Medium, and Cheekh.
Despite the temporary backlash, her fans continue to rally behind her — praising her for addressing the issue directly rather than ignoring it.
