Senior Pakistani actress Hina Bayat Khawaja has shared her observations about the harassment of women, claiming that women who observe full purdah may sometimes face greater harassment in public spaces.
Speaking on a private television programme, the actress described an experience involving two girls who were sent through a marketplace in different styles of clothing to observe how people reacted to them.
According to Hina Bayat, the girls initially visited the market wearing ordinary traditional clothes. Although some people looked at them, no one behaved inappropriately.
She said the same girls were later sent to the marketplace wearing dupattas, where they encountered inappropriate behaviour from some individuals. When they visited wearing full hijab, they were reportedly subjected to teasing.
The actress said the experience surprised her. She suggested that some men may perceive women observing full purdah as less capable of defending themselves, while women wearing simple, dignified clothing and appearing confident may be viewed as more assertive.
Hina Bayat is known for her acting career and outspoken views on social issues. She also worked as a television host at the beginning of her career and participated in programmes highlighting social concerns.
Her remarks sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some users criticised her comments from a religious perspective, arguing that observing purdah is a religious choice. Others agreed with her observations, suggesting that confidence can be a factor in how women experience harassment.
Several users also shared personal experiences in support of the actress’s remarks.