By Urdu Report Editorial Team
Senior Pakistani television actress Faryal Gohar has spoken publicly about the alleged domestic violence she experienced during her first marriage to actor Jamal Shah.
The couple remained married for nine years before their relationship ended. During a recent morning show appearance, Gohar discussed the difficult period and highlighted the impact of domestic violence and social pressure on women.
Faryal Gohar recalls years of abuse
Gohar said she was only 23 when she married and that it was a marriage of her own choice. Her family had no objection to the relationship because her husband belonged to a Syed family.
She said the situation later deteriorated to the point that her family questioned whether he really belonged to a Syed family because he would physically assault her. Gohar said she continued to endure the abuse because it was a marriage based on love, adding that love can sometimes be blind.
According to Gohar, describing the abuse she endured after marriage is extremely difficult. She alleged that she was beaten with leather belts and that the violence was so severe that she suffered several pregnancy losses. She also said repeated beatings caused severe kidney pain and led to surgeries.
She further recalled that bruises, wounds and other injuries sometimes forced her to leave her classes. She said she had to hide the marks on her body.
Restrictions on her movement
Gohar said the physical violence was not the only painful aspect of her experience. She also faced strict social and traditional restrictions.
She said she was not allowed to leave the house. Even going for a walk was prohibited. When she had to travel somewhere, she was reportedly made to sit inside a covered rickshaw, which was completely concealed so that people could not see her.
Message to women facing domestic violence
During the programme, Gohar said that 80% of women in Pakistan face domestic violence in married life. She stressed that the issue is not limited to ordinary women and can also affect educated and independent women, describing herself as an example.
She urged women to recognize that they deserve a life free from humiliation and mistreatment. Gohar said it is important to leave difficult and abusive circumstances.
She also emphasized the need for better upbringing and education of boys and men in society.
