Veteran Pakistani actor Saima Qureshi discusses family authority, ageing mindset, and personal independence during a podcast appearance.
Pakistani television actor Saima Qureshi has ignited discussion after sharing her views on mothers-in-law, family authority, and ageing during a recent podcast appearance with Misbah Khalid.
The seasoned performer, known for negative roles across popular drama serials for nearly two decades, reflected on social expectations placed on mothers after their children’s marriages. She suggested that many mothers in Pakistan struggle to “retire” from household control, which can lead to generational tension within families.
Saima stated that some mothers continue to maintain authority even after their children are married, which she believes is not ideal for family harmony. She emphasized the importance of allowing younger family members to take responsibility and grow independently.
Expanding her remarks, she also addressed perceptions of ageing in Pakistani society. She said age should not be treated as a limitation and described it as a mindset rather than a fixed condition. According to her, many people become socially inactive after their children grow up, leading them to overly focus on their children’s lives and develop expectations that can create emotional strain.
She contrasted this with observations of older individuals abroad, whom she described as staying active, engaged, and socially involved in their later years. Qureshi encouraged people to remain busy, develop hobbies, and find purpose beyond parenting roles.
Her comments have generated debate on social media, with some agreeing on the need for personal independence and others defending traditional family structures in South Asian households.
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