Renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Tariq Masood recently made headlines after a TikTok clip went viral in which he shared a surprising call from actress Humaima Malick. Referring to her role in the 2011 film Bol, Mufti Tariq commented on a controversial dialogue delivered by Humaima’s character: “Jab khila nahi sakte to paida kyun karte ho?”
The scholar stated that he had previously given a harsh response to this dialogue, calling it disrespectful and part of an NGO-driven narrative aimed at undermining traditional values. However, he revealed that Humaima Malick personally called him, moved to tears by his criticism. She repented, apologized, and clarified that the script was imposed on her as part of the film’s messaging. Her mother also spoke with Mufti Tariq, agreeing that the lines were inappropriate and not reflective of Islamic values.
While this moment highlights a conversation around faith, accountability, and personal growth, it also opens up space for a necessary counterpoint. Was the dialogue really wrong, or was it a much-needed reflection of harsh realities faced by many women in Pakistan?
The controversial dialogue may have sounded blunt, but for many women particularly those from impoverished backgrounds it echoes a truth rooted in lived experience. In a country where inflation is skyrocketing, job opportunities are scarce, and healthcare is a luxury, the question of why people continue to have children they cannot feed is not only relevant, but urgent.
From a women’s health perspective, the dialogue touches a deeply sensitive issue: the physical and emotional toll of repeated pregnancies. Many women in lower-income households are forced into continuous childbearing without proper medical care, nutrition, or emotional support. This often results in severe health complications, postpartum trauma, and in some cases, death. To question this reality should not be considered rebellion it should be seen as an act of awarenessand a call for change.
The film Bol did not just aim to challenge religious values; it aimed to start a dialogue on social injustice, gender roles, and economic disparity. And while some might argue it crossed certain lines, others would say it held up a mirror to our collective silence on uncomfortable issues.
Mufti Tariq Masood is respected for guiding people toward faith and offering spiritual clarity. His ability to influence both celebrities and common people speaks volumes about his reach. However, acknowledging a harsh truth does not equate to defiance against faith lrather, it can serve as a means to promote justice and compassion, especially for the most vulnerable in society.
Instead of framing Humaima Malick’s dialogue as inherently wrong, perhaps we can see it as a woman giving voice to thousands of silenced stories, stories of mothers who bear the brunt of societal pressures, poverty, and neglect.
In this light, the dialogue from Bol isn’t an attack on morality it’s a reflection of a broken system that demands urgent attention. Sometimes, repentance isn’t just about saying sorry it’s also about understanding the deeper layers of the message and using it as a catalyst for change.
