Javeria Saud’s Sharp Response to Karachi Remarks
Pakistani actress and television producer Javeria Saud has come to the defense of her hometown, Karachi, after fellow actresses Saba Qamar and Iffat Omar described the city as dirty.
In a passionate Instagram post, Javeria declared, Karachi is not dirty — the mindset of those who call it dirty is. She further stated that cities are not filthy by themselves; rather, it is people’s attitude and lack of civic sense that make them appear so.
Her remarks came in response to a social media post by Iffat Omar, who supported Saba Qamar’s earlier statement made during a podcast interview. Omar had echoed Qamar’s view, calling Karachi a dirty city, which quickly triggered heated debate across Pakistan’s social media platforms.
Controversy Sparked by Saba Qamar’s Podcast
The controversy began when Saba Qamar, one of Pakistan’s most prominent television and film actresses, said in a podcast that she did not like Karachi and only visited the city for work. When asked if she had ever considered moving there, Qamar replied, Astaghfirullah — never, implying strong disapproval.
Her comments went viral, sparking criticism from fans and fellow artists who accused her of showing disrespect toward Pakistan’s largest and most economically vital city. Karachi, home to over 20 million residents, is often described as the country’s commercial and cultural heartbeat — despite ongoing issues such as poor infrastructure, pollution, and waste management challenges.
Cities Are Not Dirty – People’s Intentions Are
Reacting to the online uproar, Javeria Saud shared screenshots of Saba Qamar and Iffat Omar’s posts on Instagram and expressed disappointment over their remarks.
Calling your own cities and country dirty shows a negative mindset, she wrote. Cities are not dirty; it’s the people’s intentions and thoughts that are impure.
She added that whether it is Karachi or any other city in Pakistan, she loves every part of her homeland. Criticizing your own cities does not solve problems – working to improve them does, she implied through her post.
Call for Respect and Positivity
Javeria Saud’s comments have since been widely shared, with many social media users applauding her patriotism and balanced perspective. Her response has reignited the broader conversation about civic responsibility, public image, and how celebrities shape national discourse.
As Pakistan continues to grapple with urban challenges, the debate reflects a deeper sentiment: while citizens may be frustrated by poor city conditions, public figures carry an added responsibility to voice criticism constructively rather than dismissively.
