Legendary writer Anwar Maqsood has come up with a statement that has left social media bewildered. The witty writer believes that men in Pakistan are deprived of basic rights, and until that changes, society cannot move forward nor can women’s rights be genuinely addressed.
Anwar Maqsood recently appeared on Gohar Rasheed’s program, where he shared his candid views on various social issues.
“In a country where men do not have rights, how can women’s rights be discussed,” he asked.
“If men get rights, Pakistani society will be fine.”
He stressed that while a father’s role is traditionally seen as the one who provides, it is the mother who truly shapes the individual.
“Although the responsibility of raising a man falls on the father, in fact, it is the mother who does it,” he said.
“In our society, the mother teaches children civility, distinction, and discipline.”
He continued by highlighting the father’s role, “The main role of the father is to bear the expenses of the family including his parents, wife, and children.”
Anwar Maqsood further said that he has been speaking up for men’s rights for decades, though the conversation often centers around women’s issues.
“Women’s rights are talked about a lot in Pakistan, but I am the only man who has been raising his voice for men’s rights for the last seventy years,” he said.
“How can women’s rights be discussed in a country where men do not have rights?”
Explaining what he meant by men’s rights, he elaborated, “Men should be allowed to do whatever they want to do. They should not be prevented from saying what they want to say, and they should also be allowed to write freely.”
He expressed hope for change, “Pakistan’s society will be fine the day men start getting their rights.”
Citing the famous case of writer Saadat Hasan Manto, he shared an example of how truth in art is often misunderstood: “A case was filed on one of Manto’s short stories, in which he had said, ‘I do not write on my own behalf, I write what happens in society. My society is dirty, that is why my writing is also dirty.’”
In response to a question about male ego, he stated, “In most men, ego appears after success although it shouldn’t. The way they used to live on a low salary, they should always live a simple life.”
He also offered a deep reflection on human desire, “Desires can destroy anyone. It is a bottomless well. If a person does not want anything, then he is the most successful person.”
On the topic of truth, Anwar Maqsood made a strong statement, “A person becomes worse than an animal when he lies because an animal never lies. Unfortunately, lying is respected in Pakistan and speaking the truth is not allowed.”
He ended the conversation with advice for men, “Men should continue to work until they die, because they are the guardians of their homes, and it is the responsibility of a guardian to fulfill his responsibilities well.”
