Aina Asif, a young Pakistani actress known for her roles in popular dramas like Mayi Ri, Baby Baji, and Hum Tum, recently found herself at the centre of controversy after discussing mental health on national television.
Appearing on a morning show alongside co-star Abul Hasan, the two actors were promoting their new drama Parwarish when their remarks about depression and religion triggered widespread backlash.
During the segment, Aina discussed how religious practice alone cannot always alleviate depression. She said,
“Sometimes, therapists are really mean. Your kid will go for help, and they’ll say, ‘Recite Namaz’ — yes, Namaz is important — but what can I do in that moment when I’m depressed?”
Abul Hasan supported her view, adding,
“We need therapists for treatment. We can’t rely solely on Namaz for every solution. Allah gave us a mind to think—we should use it to seek medical help.”
These statements quickly went viral on social media, with many users accusing the actors of speaking on sensitive religious matters without proper understanding.
One user expressed criticism, asking, "Now, will actors and influencers teach us Islam?" Another user cited the Quranic verse, "Seek help through patience and prayer."
Many also defended the power of Namaz, calling it a complete spiritual solution to mental distress.
“Namaz has been my source of peace for years,” shared one user.
Another added, “Faith is a blessing. Some people are lucky to have it.”
The debate has reignited discussions around the intersection of faith and mental health, and whether religious and medical interventions can coexist in treating psychological issues.
