Pakistani actress Mariyam Nafees - known for her roles in popular dramas like Neem, Munafiq, and Diyar-e-Dil - has recently found herself at the center of social media controversy after posting pictures and a reel showcasing her baby bump.
The actress - currently in London with her husband Amaan Ahmed - has been openly sharing moments from her pregnancy journey with her followers.
The pictures - which featured Nafees flaunting her baby bump - quickly attracted criticism from some social media users who felt that the display was inappropriate given Pakistan's conservative social norms.
The actress has been subject to intense trolling, with many questioning the timing and nature of the posts.
In response to the backlash, Nafees took to her Instagram to address the criticism directly. She called out what she referred to as the "hypocrisy" of her critics, urging them to unfollow her if they were uncomfortable with her posts.
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"Pakistani awaam getting triggered seeing a bump as if they were dropped from the skies like they were told as toddlers," she wrote.
"If you have a problem seeing a bump, unfollow and move on because I will be showing A LOT of it! I’m proud and amazed at what my/our body is capable of and I don’t shy away from flaunting it."
Despite her bold response, the controversy continued, with some defending the actress’ right to express herself, while others criticised her for defending a "mistake" in showcasing her pregnancy in such a manner, especially in a society like Pakistan’s, where conservative values often shape public opinion.
