Pakistani actress and model Saheefa Jabbar Khattak has broken her silence over the backlash surrounding her hiring preferences for her new Lahore café, Roni's Pizzeria, clarifying that her words were taken out of context.
In an Instagram story posted in March 2026, Saheefa addressed accusations of ethnic discrimination and racism that emerged after she mentioned preferring Pathan staff for their perceived commitment and honesty, while expressing concerns about hiring Punjabi and Urdu-speaking workers based on previous experiences.
She explained that her remarks were twisted into a racial debate, overshadowing the actual challenges she faces as a business owner.
Saheefa emphasized her own diverse roots, noting she was raised in Punjab and is married into a family with both Urdu and Punjabi heritage.
She also criticized other content creators for "cashing out" on the controversy for views, instead of seeking clarification. The actress revealed that her café had been targeted with fake 1-star ratings amid the backlash, which caused her significant emotional distress.
She wrote, “Taking my words out of context doesn't make you right and me wrong. I stayed quiet for days because I knew I wasn't wrong. My words were simply twisted into a narrative… My content is based on my reality, my struggles, my growth, my emotions, raw and honest. Your content is based on someone else. And that will never define me.”
Saheefa’s statement has sparked discussions online, with many fans expressing support for her stance and urging audiences to consider the full context before forming judgments.