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Pakistani television actor and director Shahood Alvi has once again found himself at the centre of social media discussions following his candid remarks about marriage, relationships and the role of women in maintaining a healthy relationship. Shahood began his showbiz career at Pakistan Television as a boom operator alongside his maternal uncle, Iqbal Ansari. He later moved into acting and gradually established himself as a recognised performer through his work in several popular television dramas. The actor is married to Saima Shahood, and the couple has three daughters, Areeba, Sajal and Arija, all of whom are now married. Shahood frequently appears on morning shows, particularly programmes that feature discussions about marriage, relationships and family life. During a recent television appearance alongside actresses Laila Zuberi and Fariha Awan, Shahood shared his views on why some husbands may lose interest in their wives. His comments, however, quickly attracted attention and divided opinions online. Discussing the possible reasons behind a decline in a husband’s interest, Shahood suggested that women who spend most of their time at home may sometimes carry the smell of ingredients such as ginger and garlic from cooking. He contrasted this with men working in offices, where they may encounter women wearing perfumes. He questioned why a husband would remain attracted if his wife smelled of cooking ingredients, while women in offices might be dressed up and wearing fragrance. The actor also made another controversial remark when the discussion turned towards seeking professional help for marital problems. When Fariha Awan suggested therapy as an option for couples facing difficulties, Shahood jokingly questioned what would happen if a therapist ran away with someone’s wife. He repeated the warning while referring to psychiatrists, describing it as a humorous concern. Shahood further said that spending excessive amounts of time on a mobile phone could be a negative sign in a marriage. He suggested that women should also make an effort to regain their husbands’ attention by preparing food they enjoy and getting ready before their husbands return home. Laila Zuberi agreed that making an effort to look presentable for one’s spouse has traditionally been viewed positively. Recalling her childhood, she said she remembered her mother applying lipstick before her father returned home. Fariha Awan also supported the idea that women could make additional efforts to present themselves well before their husbands came home. Shahood went on to discuss his own marriage, saying he had tried to teach his wife several practical tasks, including paying bills, shopping for groceries and driving. However, he said jokingly that she never learned these skills and referred to her humorously as a “stubborn one.” He also recalled advice from actress Bushra Ansari, who had discouraged his wife from learning how to drive. According to Shahood, Bushra believed that once housewives learned to drive, their responsibilities could increase because they might then be expected to take children to school and bring them back. Following the television appearance, Shahood’s comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some users criticised his remarks as outdated or insensitive, others viewed them as part of the informal and humorous nature of morning-show conversations. Despite the debate, Shahood’s comments have once again placed discussions surrounding marriage, expectations from spouses and gender roles in the spotlight.

An eight-year-old girl was allegedly subjected to a brutal sexual assault by unidentified perpetrators in the Gujranwala area, triggering widespread grief and anger across Pakistan. The incident has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of children and the growing number of violent crimes being reported across the country. According to reports, the incident took place in Feroze Wala Kala Khatai Gol Pind near Gujranwala. The minor was allegedly taken to nearby fields, where she was sexually assaulted by multiple suspects. Her cries for help alerted local residents, who rushed towards the area and intervened. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are working to identify and arrest those responsible. The victim was later taken to a police station in critical condition. Reports said that she was in severe distress and was unable to sit comfortably following the alleged assault. The incident has also sparked criticism of the media after the child’s father appeared before news outlets while attempting to conceal his daughter’s face. Despite the family’s efforts to protect the minor’s identity, reports claimed that some media channels broadcast footage showing the child’s face without blurring it. The decision has drawn condemnation from members of the public and celebrities, who argued that protecting the privacy and dignity of a minor victim should be a basic responsibility of the media. Actress Amar Khan expressed her anger over the alleged assault as well as the media’s handling of the victim’s identity. She criticised the decision to broadcast the child’s unblurred face, calling attention to the ethical responsibilities of news organisations when reporting cases involving minors. Maya Khan also reacted emotionally to the incident, urging people to take action against such cruelty. She wrote, “Please do something before Allah reacts to this cruelty and punishes us.” Malik Aqeel was also among those who expressed grief over the disturbing case. The incident has prompted another wave of public outrage on social media, with many users demanding strict action against those responsible. Several commentators questioned whether parents can feel safe raising daughters when children continue to face such horrific violence. Some users called for stronger punishments for perpetrators of crimes against children, while others expressed frustration over what they described as repeated failures to protect vulnerable minors. Many social media users also tagged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, urging authorities to ensure a swift investigation and bring the suspects to justice. The alleged assault comes amid growing public concern over reports of rape, murder, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Pakistan. Recent cases involving children and other vulnerable victims have intensified demands for stronger law enforcement, better protection for minors and greater accountability. As the investigation continues, the public is awaiting concrete action against those responsible for the Gujranwala incident. The case has once again highlighted the urgent need to protect children from violence and ensure that victims are treated with dignity and privacy throughout the legal process.