QB vs the internet: singer’s anti-marriage stance triggers heated war of opinions

Singer Quratulain Balouch has set off a heated online debate following her appearance on a podcast hosted by Tauseeq Haider, where her views on marriage sharply divided audiences.

During the conversation, Balouch didn’t hold back, calling marriage a “waste of time” while referencing research to support her stance. “One research says that marriage tends to profit and benefit men more than women, and women tend to be less happy than men in a marriage,” she said.

Her remarks quickly drew criticism, with many social media users pushing back against what they saw as a rejection of traditional values. One user argued that marriage only becomes difficult in the absence of the “right match,” adding that issues often stem from “unwanted expectations and emotional abuse.” Another questioned the credibility of the research she cited, asking where it had been conducted.

The reaction also took a religious and emotional turn in some corners. One commenter linked her perspective to a lack of understanding of Islam, while another claimed that only someone “extremely damaged emotionally” could hold such a view. A more extreme response saw a user threatening to unfollow both Balouch and Haider, accusing them of “promoting fornication.”

At the same time, a sizeable section of the audience came to Balouch’s defence, stressing her right to express a personal opinion. “He asked her opinion. She shared her opinion. So relax and accept the difference,” one supporter wrote. Others shifted the conversation toward societal structures, arguing that marriage, as practiced culturally, often benefits men more, while noting that Islamic principles are meant to safeguard women’s rights.

This isn’t the first time Balouch has opened up about her personal life. In an earlier appearance on Hasna Mana Hai with Tabish Hashmi, she spoke about choosing to remain single, citing the difficulty of finding compatibility and admitting it is “very hard for someone to get along” with her.

Haider, too, has previously weighed in on societal attitudes toward marriage. In a podcast with Ahmed Fozan, he highlighted the gendered language often used — noting that men are described as having “chosen not to marry,” while women are seen as having “not been able to.” He added that marriage should not be treated as a mandatory milestone, but rather as a personal decision tied to finding someone who truly completes you.