Nadia Afgan calls for accountability over animal cruelty
Pakistani actor Nadia Afgan has spoken out against animal cruelty, arguing that violence toward stray animals reflects a much broader problem of weak accountability and the normalisation of abuse in society.
During a recent interview, the actor discussed Punjab’s ongoing efforts to control the stray dog population. She questioned whether killing animals can provide a lasting solution and raised concerns about the enforcement of laws concerning animal welfare.
Nadia said the country already has legislation covering a range of issues but argued that the bigger problem is the failure to properly implement those laws.
She questioned how citizens can be expected to respect regulations when government institutions themselves are perceived as failing to enforce them consistently.
For Nadia, the issue goes beyond stray dogs. She linked animal cruelty with violence against other vulnerable groups, including women, children and workers.
She argued that abuse often becomes normalised when victims have little power to defend themselves. In her view, the same lack of accountability allows different forms of violence to continue across society.
The actor also spoke about the emotional impact of repeatedly witnessing disturbing incidents. She said that people who attempt to raise awareness online can often feel powerless when serious social issues receive less attention than entertainment and celebrity-related content.
Nadia revealed that the constant exposure to such incidents has affected her emotionally and, at times, prompted her to distance herself from social media.
She also defended animal rescuers and volunteers against accusations that they misuse public donations. According to her, many rescue groups operate with extremely limited resources and depend heavily on individuals who contribute their own money, time and belongings.
She said young volunteers sometimes sell personal items to help animals and provide emergency care.
Nadia believes the public often notices animal rescue efforts only after particularly disturbing cases become viral online. Once the attention fades, however, volunteers are frequently left to continue the work without sustained institutional support.
The actor further stressed the importance of teaching children empathy toward animals. She argued that repeatedly presenting animals as dangerous or treating cruelty as acceptable can influence how children understand violence and vulnerability.
Instead, she favoured introducing children to animals in a safe and compassionate environment. She said empathy is more effectively developed through personal examples and positive experiences than through fear.
Nadia ultimately presented the debate over stray dogs as part of a wider discussion about social responsibility. She maintained that protecting vulnerable beings, enforcing existing laws and holding people accountable are essential steps toward reducing violence
