Ali Gul Pir pushes back against parenting advice
Comedian Ali Gul Pir has spoken about the unsolicited advice new parents often receive in Pakistani society, using his trademark humour to challenge some of the common warnings directed at mothers and fathers.
Gul Pir recently became a father to a baby boy, Salar, with his wife, Dr Azeemah Nakhoda. He used a social media reel to share his thoughts on the comments and expectations that often surround first-time parents.
One of the first issues he addressed was the common warning that having a baby means saying goodbye to a good night’s sleep forever. Gul Pir questioned the idea, saying babies eventually settle into routines and begin sleeping for longer periods.
He also rejected the belief that becoming parents means their personal lives are effectively over. According to the comedian, every family has a different experience and the difficulties faced by one set of parents should not automatically be presented as the future of every new parent.
Gul Pir also spoke about another common belief — that children and pets should not live together. As a dog owner, he disagreed with the idea and referred to research suggesting that children who grow up around pets may develop fewer allergies and greater compassion.
The comedian then turned his attention to questions about having a second child. He joked that people who constantly ask about expanding their family should not expect to receive personal updates.
His response also highlighted how intrusive questions can become overwhelming for new parents. Gul Pir suggested that couples should be allowed to make decisions about their families without constant outside commentary.
He also criticised people who comment on women’s bodies shortly after childbirth. Gul Pir questioned why women are often expected to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy appearance.
His broader message was about the pressure Pakistani society can place on people whenever they enter a major new phase of life.
Gul Pir said big life changes naturally involve sacrifices. However, he argued that people should focus on the positive experiences that come with those changes instead of constantly warning others about what they might lose.
The comedian welcomed his first child, Salar, last month. He publicly announced the arrival of his son on Father’s Day by sharing family photographs and pictures of the gifts he received for the occasion.
