A Pakistani comedy show host has created a firestorm for implying marriage would cure a woman’s mental health problems, and for saying such illnesses happen because women “obsess” over their careers.

Aftab Iqbal said that a woman who was acting like she was experiencing “hysteria” was in fact suffering from not being married and for having a career.

“Thirty-one years and not married. Then they complain she makes noises and gets taken over by djinns [spirits],” he said. “This is a pure case of hysteria. You wretched women and your obsession with your careers... this is what happens when you disturb nature.”

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Iqbal was talking about fake faith healers on his Khabarzar show on Aap News TV on April 13 when he made the bizarre analysis. The woman’s brother told Iqbal that his sister was too busy attending international workshops to consider marriage.

“Instead of having her attend workshops every other day, get her married,” Iqbal suggested.

Iqbal’s comments were met with fury on social media, as many called him out for being wrong and reminding him that it is 2019.

Mashallah, Aftab Iqbal raising awareness on mental disorders by showing a 31 yr old woman who is suffering from "hysteria" because she is single at that age. Career aspirations meddling with nature. "Shadi karao" is the solution apparently. It's 2019 @AAPNews, stop the jahalat. — Imran Khan (@iopyne) April 13, 2019 I wish shaadi were the solution most of the women suffer after they get married because of the social pressures,gaslighting,hilevel expectations,suppression,abuse(physical,econ mental)joint n failed family systems,i can go on and on — nida hakim (@nidahakim) April 14, 2019 If so, then he must still be a bachelor. His illness is quite obviously not cured. https://t.co/OrOkYxjOwb — Nadeem Farooq Paracha (@NadeemfParacha) April 15, 2019

“Aftab Iqbal is married, but then what is the reason for his tantrums?” one Twitter user asked. Another said that it’s marriage that often causes mental health problems for women.

But Aftab Iqbal is married. What’s the reason for his hysteria? #theyellowwallpaper #1891 #charlotteperkinsgilmanhttps://t.co/cv1WrnPbJs — SGul (@Shiringul) April 14, 2019 Obviously he is ignorant of Khadijah (pbuh),the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)’s most trusted and favorite wife.Khadijah (pbuh) was a successful and esteemed business woman.Insult Woman who work and you insult The First Muslim Woman ‘Khadijah al-Kubra (may peace be upon her)’ — Maheen Khan (@Maheenkhanpk) April 15, 2019 He claimed that women with careers are abnormal. Isn't his spouse a professor? — Ismail Pirzada (@IsmailAPirzada) April 15, 2019 I am amazed people with this thinking still exist! — Farina (@different_F) April 16, 2019

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