In a highly polarizing moment, model-turned-actor Saheefa Jabbar Khattak sparked controversy on Instagram by expressing frustration over how her domestic worker, Musarrat, had “wasted” charity money. The internet was quick to criticize her remarks as tone-deaf and condescending.
Jabbar shared that she had given Musarrat Rs50,000, only to find out that it was spent within two days—on Eid clothes and a bicycle for her children. According to Jabbar, this was an irresponsible use of the funds, and she regretted not making the purchases herself. She stated that she would have spent the money more wisely, opting for thrift stores, Liberty Market, or stitched fabrics instead. “It hurts to see that when you try to help underprivileged people, they end up wasting money,” she wrote.
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What stood out most was not just her attempt to control how someone else used their money, but also the invasive way she dissected Musarrat’s personal life.
In a move many deemed humiliating, Jabbar publicly detailed the poor condition of Musarrat’s home, mentioning her leaky roof, bathroom, and her children’s needs—without her consent. Many pointed out that she did this in a language Musarrat likely does not understand, further stripping her of agency.
‘This isn’t charity, it’s a power play’
Social media users swiftly called out the actor’s comments, with one describing them as “a power move disguised as kindness.” Another questioned, “Why are the poor held to such insane standards?”
Many found her post performative, arguing that if the money was truly given in charity, the giver had no right to dictate how it was spent. Others highlighted the deep class divide evident in Jabbar’s remarks.
Doubling down on the criticism
Despite the backlash, Jabbar defended herself in lengthy replies, listing various things she and her family had provided Musarrat over the years, including toys, PR packages, chocolates, and clothes from her shoots. At one point, she even claimed, “If I take you to her house, everything she owns is given to her by me.”
This approach left many baffled, as she appeared to be both boasting about her generosity and diminishing Musarrat’s dignity by reducing her existence to a list of donated goods.
She further infantilized Musarrat by writing, “I take Musarrat as my sister. And as an older sister, I will always slap the s**t out of my sister for wasting money like that, especially when she is one of the needy ones.” This remark reinforced the idea that she saw herself as having control over a grown woman’s choices.
Following the criticism, Jabbar posted videos of herself laughing with Musarrat at the backlash, before doubling down in another post. “I believe in financial responsibility, not just for myself but for those who work for me. I want my house help to secure her future, take care of her children, ensure their health and education, and safeguard her home and family. Saving money is not greed; it’s survival,” she stated.
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She then shifted her focus to influencers and celebrities, accusing them of hypocrisy. “How many of you are truly willing to break the class divide you claim to care about? Would you share your plate with your house help? Drink from the same glass? Sit at the same dining table? Let them wear your clothes? If not, then stop the hypocrisy.”
Missing the point entirely
While some commenters agreed with her stance on financial responsibility, many pointed out that the core issue was her public shaming of Musarrat. Others emphasized that the real problem was the lack of basic respect given to her.
This incident sheds light on a deeply entrenched issue in South Asia—where charity often comes with strings attached and an intrusive desire to “correct” the lifestyles of the underprivileged. The question remains: Is it truly generosity if it comes with judgment and surveillance?
While Jabbar’s willingness to support her employees is commendable, publicly shaming an adult for their personal spending choices is not. Once given, charity money belongs to the recipient, and how they use it is their decision. As many pointed out, the underprivileged are often scrutinized from a place of privilege, as if they don’t deserve small joys or moments of happiness.
Ultimately, if this controversy teaches us anything, it is that the dignity of those we help should never be up for public debate.
Here’s how social media users reacted to situation
i have less and less respect for people like saheefa jabbar or should i say this industry.
— berbaad kacchay (@mahobili) March 12, 2025
saheefa jabbar’s stories are like: “people who are calling me chutiya” – next story “sun kissed pout selfie” – next story “people who called me asshole”
mannnnnnnnn, i am so entertained
— berbaad kacchay (@mahobili) March 13, 2025