Ahmed Ali Butt’s
unprovoked thoughts on feminism and
Aurat March

Host, actor, and musician Ahmed Ali Butt has a strong following across the country. However, his views on certain matters, such as feminism and the Aurat March, have raised concerns, as they appear to reflect a limited understanding of the subject.

Speaking on his podcast, Excuse Me with Ahmed Ali Butt, during an interview with Kanwal Cheema, the founder of My Impact Meter, he shared his perspective on feminism. He suggested that the MeToo movement and the Aurat March are “heavily funded” and part of a larger effort to dismantle the family structure. He also linked the origins of feminism to the “Rothschild era,” claiming it was created to tax women.

Such claims oversimplify a complex issue. Feminism, at its core, has long advocated for fundamental rights such as education, workplace equality, and protection against gender-based violence. Dismissing these struggles as part of a larger conspiracy overlooks the movement’s significance and the challenges women continue to face.

During the discussion, Butt further commented, “You’re altering the fact that a man is supposed to provide and a woman is supposed to nurture and multiply. Your true basic nature is the same; you can’t wake up one day and say you’re a tree.”

It was a case of mansplaining. Ahmed Ali Butt’s remarks reflect a traditional perspective on gender roles — one that many believe does not align with today’s reality. In response, figures from the entertainment industry and activism space expressed their concerns.

“The Aurat March continues to focus on a variety of issues — including fighting for women and trans rights — but it has never dismissed nuclear families. This debate reflects a broader issue regarding how influential personalities discuss social movements and the impact their words have. While discussions are welcome, they should be based on informed perspective rather than speculation.”

Former model and CEO of Catwalk Event Management, Frieha Altaf, took to Instagram to offer a different viewpoint: “Feminism is the full social, economic, and political equality of women. Humanity suffers when one gender is discriminated against. For example, women not being allowed to work, being paid less for the same job, not being allowed to vote, and not having a choice. They are treated as lesser beings, as if they do not have a brain to make decisions.”

Filmmaker Saim Sadiq, known for the award-winning film Joyland, challenged Butt to substantiate his claims: “Where is the proof of this foreign funding? Please share it immediately or apologise for your irresponsible and factually incorrect lies.”

Activist Leena Ghani also shared her perspective, questioning whether Butt’s views extended to his own family, as his grandmother, the legendary singer Noor Jehan, was a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry. She noted that Noor Jehan was a feminist icon who carved her own path and never sought approval for her choices.

The Aurat March, which Butt critiqued, continues to focus on a variety of issues — including fighting for women and trans rights — but it has never dismissed nuclear families. If it were indeed “heavily funded” by external sources, as he implied, its organisers would likely face fewer logistical difficulties in holding the march.

This debate reflects a broader issue regarding how influential personalities discuss social movements and the impact their words have. While discussions are welcome, they should be based on informed perspective rather than speculation.

Danish Taimoor
remarks on marriage spark debate

Actor and television host Danish Taimoor recently made comments during his Ramazan transmission that led to widespread debate. During Mehfil-e-Ramzan, a programme he co-hosts with Rabia Anam, his wife, Ayeza Khan, made a brief guest appearance. Towards the end of the episode, Taimoor spoke about marriage in Islam, stating, “If God has given permission for something, then He has given permission for it. That I’m not doing it is a different matter. I say this in front of her (Ayeza Khan), and today I’m saying it in front of everyone, I am allowed to marry four times. That I’m not doing it is another matter entirely. God has given me this permission, so no one can take that right from me. But it’s because of my love and respect for her that ‘for now (filhaal),’ I want to spend my life with her.”

“Following the backlash, Danish Taimoor released a clarification, explaining that his words were intended as a reflection on life’s unpredictability rather than a literal statement of intent. Nonetheless, discussions about the appropriateness of his remarks continued. This incident highlights how statements made in the public eye can lead to unintended consequences.”

His comments quickly gained attention, prompting a strong reaction from viewers. Some saw them as light-hearted remarks, while others felt they were unnecessary and inappropriate for a public broadcast, especially in the presence of his wife.

Ayeza Khan’s reaction, or lack thereof, also became a topic of conversation. While some admired her composure, others speculated on whether she chose to remain silent as a sign of restraint or discomfort. However, Ayeza Khan doesn’t owe anyone an explanation. She’s the bigger star, the more popular figure, and her reputation hasn’t been tarnished by all this drama.

Following the backlash, Taimoor released a clarification, explaining that his words were intended as a reflection on life’s unpredictability rather than a literal statement of intent. Nonetheless, discussions about the appropriateness of his remarks continued.

This incident highlights how statements made in the public eye — particularly on live television — can lead to unintended consequences. While Taimoor may not have intended to stir controversy, his words served as a reminder of the weight public figures’ statements carry and how they are perceived by audiences.

At a time when conversations about gender roles and equality are evolving, the way such topics are addressed matters more than ever. Public figures have a unique platform that can influence perceptions, making it essential to approach these discussions with nuance and a degree of thoughtfulness.