Mahira Khan responds to Karachi critics with heartfelt remarks

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Mahira Khan spoke warmly about her hometown Karachi, responding to critics who say they do not like visiting the city.

Speaking at a press event promoting her upcoming film Nilofar, Khan appeared alongside co-star Fawad Khan and described Karachi as central to her life and memories. Her remarks drew attention on social media.

Asked about the comments, Mahira said she was born and raised in Karachi and considers it the most special part of her life. “Every person loves their city because that’s where their memories are,” she added, noting that Karachi holds her childhood roots, parents, grandmother, and extended family.

Describing the city metaphorically, she said, “Karachi is like a mother — it welcomes everyone with open arms. People take a lot from this city and often treat it badly, yet Karachi forgives them, embraces them again, and says, ‘Come back.’ That is the true beauty of Karachi.”

Her remarks come after fellow actress Saba Qamar faced criticism for saying in an interview that she does not like Karachi and prefers Islamabad and Lahore.

Nilofar, starring Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, is scheduled for worldwide release on 28 November 2025. The film also features Madiha Imam, Behroze Sabzwari, Atiqa Odho, Samia Mumtaz, Naveed Shehzad, Faisal Qureshi, and Gohar Rasheed.

Fawad Khan, who plays a professor in the film, is also the producer and said the movie has been prepared with great effort and he hopes it will be well received by audiences.