Nimra Khan: Women are not 'rehab centres, baby sitters or ATM machines'

Having personally endured domestic violence, TV actor Nimra Khan spoke out against domestic abuse, vowing never to tolerate it again. She highlighted the detrimental consequences of women's silence while enduring abuse and emphasised the importance of self-advocacy.

The ‘Ehram-e-Junoon’ actor shared her personal experience of navigating through a difficult phase in her life during a YouTube podcast. 

She emphasised the crucial role parents play in supporting their daughters during such challenging times.

"Children often hesitate to share their personal problems with their parents. Parents should foster a trusting environment where children feel comfortable confiding in them,” she said.

Nimra expressed gratitude for her parents' unwavering support, which helped her break free from a toxic relationship.

Discussing the societal pressure of marriage and career, the versatile actor expressed her apprehensions about settling down again.

“When one gets with a compelling job offer and an attractive marriage proposal simultaneously, one can't help but feel puzzled about the possibility of missing out on either opportunity. I fear the potential challenges that settling down with someone might pose to my career advancement, I fear taking this risk,” she shared.

The host interjected that "Parents often choose to marry off boys with emotional instability, believing that marriage will change their behavior."

To which Nimra said, “They often view women as rehab centres, baby sitters, or ATM machines, then they take advantage of women.”

In a lighter moment, she jokingly mentioned her willingness to marry again, teasing that she would “discuss her future husband in the next show.”

When questioned about not taking a stand for herself earlier, Nimra explained, “One can only compromise for the happiness of their parents.”

Responding to whether she is looking for a companion, the actor said, “Yes, it's common for people to seek a partner as they grow older. My parents genuinely care for my well-being and express concern when they see me alone,” she concluded.

Encouraging women trapped in toxic relationships, Nimra urged to dispel the societal perception of divorce as a taboo.

“Divorce is not a disease, as our society often perceives it. It is a sunnah, an accepted practice in Islam, to accept a divorcee,” she said.

Nimra reiterated her belief in arranged marriages, stating, "It was an arranged marriage, and I always preferred the concept of arranged marriages. Love is undoubtedly essential, and my next marriage will be based on a deeper understanding of my partner's strengths and weaknesses. It's been three years since my previous marriage."

The ‘Hangor’ actor tied the knot with UK-based Pakistani Raja Azam in April 2020. Her ex-husband claimed to have divorced her in a live video referring to her as a ‘headache.’