National ( The cow news digital ) Pakistani actor Maryam Nafees has sparked discussion after stating that, according to her understanding, Islam encourages married sons to live separately from their parents to ensure privacy and harmony within families.
Speaking during a recent appearance on a private television morning show, the actress addressed common household dynamics between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, saying that many domestic conflicts arise when family boundaries are not clearly respected.
Maryam Nafees said that once children are married, they should ideally be given separate living arrangements. She emphasized that every family needs its own space, both physically and emotionally, to maintain balance and avoid unnecessary tensions.
She added that in her view, if financial conditions do not allow a son to move into a separate home, then even within a shared household, the daughter-in-law should be given her own personal space in terms of a room and kitchen access. She stressed that this approach is important for mental well-being and healthier relationships.
The actress also reflected on her own family life, saying her son is still very young, but she has already decided that when he grows up and gets married, she would prefer him to live independently rather than under shared household pressure.
According to her, a daughter-in-law should not be expected to carry the responsibility of taking care of in-laws, as that creates unnecessary strain on the new couple and the wider family structure.
Maryam Nafees further noted that problems often arise when mothers-in-law assume their way of managing a household is the only correct one and resist any changes brought by the new bride. She said such rigid attitudes can create conflict, whereas openness to change may actually improve family life.
Her remarks have triggered debate on social media, with some agreeing that separate living arrangements help reduce household conflicts, while others argue that joint family systems remain an important part of cultural and social traditions in South Asian society.
