A public dispute between two prominent Pakistani television personalities has ignited a heated debate on social media after veteran actress Fazila Qazi leveled sharp criticism at the current state of Ramzan transmissions and Javeria Saud fired back.
The controversy was set off when Qazi took to Instagram with a pointed remark about the commercialisation of Ramzan programming in Pakistan.
Without naming anyone directly, she wrote that “the devil hasn’t been locked up; instead, he has become the host of Ramadan shows,” a widely understood reference to the increasingly sensationalised and entertainment-driven nature of the transmissions that air throughout the holy month. Her post struck a nerve, drawing significant attention and support online.
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Javeria Saud, who is currently hosting a Ramzan transmission on Express TV, did not let the remarks go unanswered.
In her response, she suggested Qazi’s criticism stemmed not from principle but from envy, alleging that the veteran actress had not been offered a hosting slot for any Ramzan transmission this year. She framed the critique as a case of “sour grapes.”
Saud went further, reportedly referring to Qazi as “Shaitan ki Khala,” Urdu for “the devil’s aunt,” in what many observers described as a personal dig. She also dismissed the backlash more broadly, stating that the love and support she receives from her audience are more than enough to insulate her from such criticism.
The exchange has since divided public opinion. Many users rallied behind Fazila Qazi, praising what they described as her “grace” and “class,” while others criticised Saud’s tone as unbecoming of a public figure, particularly during Ramzan. Several commentators noted the irony of the dispute itself, a bitter, public argument unfolding in the very month both women are debating how best to honour.
Neither party has issued a statement walking back their remarks as of the time of publication.
