Pakistani actor Saba Faisal has faced criticism on social media following remarks about changing attitudes towards divorce during an appearance on Samaa TV’s talk show Gup Shab.
During the discussion, Faisal reflected on how families and society responded to divorce in the past compared with how separations are viewed today.
She suggested that divorce was once treated as a major family event, with relatives experiencing a prolonged period of grief after a marriage ended. Her comments later circulated widely on social media, where users offered different views about changing attitudes towards marriage and divorce.
Saba Faisal Discusses Changing Divorce Trends
Speaking during the programme, Faisal described what she believed was a significant difference between the way divorce was viewed in previous generations and how it is treated today.
She said that in the past, a divorce within a family would reportedly be followed by an extended period of mourning and emotional distress among relatives.
According to Faisal, fathers and other family members would find it difficult to face society following the breakdown of a marriage.
She contrasted this with what she described as a more casual approach to divorce in contemporary society.
Faisal gave an example of someone returning from abroad after a divorce and suggested that such situations reflected a broader change in how marital separation is perceived.
She concluded her remarks by saying that “things are deteriorating,” expressing her concern about the changing social attitude towards divorce.
Remarks Trigger Online Reaction
Following the broadcast, excerpts of Faisal’s comments began circulating on social media and generated a range of reactions.
Some users criticised the actor for what they considered a stereotypical understanding of divorce and argued that changes in attitudes do not necessarily mean that society is becoming less concerned about marriage.
Others pointed out that people may choose divorce after experiencing unhappy, difficult or unhealthy marriages.
Some social media users also defended the right of individuals to leave marriages that are no longer working for them.
The debate quickly expanded beyond Faisal’s remarks and focused on the wider question of how Pakistani society should understand marriage, separation and changing family norms.
Different Views on Divorce
The discussion highlighted a broader difference in perspectives between traditional attitudes towards divorce and more contemporary views about personal choice.
For some families, divorce continues to carry significant social and emotional consequences, particularly in communities where marriage is closely connected with family relationships and social expectations.
At the same time, changing social attitudes have made discussions about marital difficulties and separation more visible.
People who support a more accepting approach to divorce often argue that remaining in an unhappy or harmful marriage should not be considered the only option.
Others believe that changing attitudes towards divorce can weaken the importance traditionally attached to marriage and family relationships.
These differing perspectives were reflected in the reactions to Faisal’s comments.
Calls for Greater Understanding
Some users responding to the actor’s remarks questioned whether changes in divorce rates or attitudes should automatically be interpreted as a decline in family values.
They argued that every marriage involves different circumstances and that outsiders may not know the personal reasons behind a couple’s decision to separate.
Others maintained that the increasing normalisation of divorce deserves discussion because of its potential impact on families and children.
The reactions demonstrate how sensitive discussions about marriage and divorce remain in Pakistani society.
Debate Continues on Social Media
Faisal’s comments have continued to generate discussion online, with users debating whether changing attitudes towards divorce represent declining social values or greater recognition of individual circumstances.
Some comments reportedly called for Faisal to be excluded from future television programmes, while others defended her right to express her opinion.
The criticism has largely centred on her characterisation of contemporary attitudes towards divorce and whether those attitudes should be viewed negatively.
At the time of the report, Faisal had not issued a separate response to the criticism cited in the coverage.
The controversy has nevertheless brought renewed attention to the wider conversation around divorce, marriage and changing social expectations in Pakistan.
Also read: Saba Faisal Draws Criticism Over Controversial Statements
