Shehzad Nawaz Sparks Debate with Remarks About Quaid-e-Azam’s Portrait on Currency Notes

Pakistani actor and podcast host Shehzad Nawaz has sparked widespread debate after stating that if he had the authority, he would remove the portrait of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, from the country’s currency notes.

During a recent podcast conversation with actor Ali Safina, the discussion focused on corruption, social behavior, and the changing representation of national personalities in public spaces. Ali Safina pointed out that with changing governments, portraits of national figures are sometimes replaced by those of political leaders, which he described as a concerning trend.

Responding to the discussion, Shehzad Nawaz said that widespread corruption, bribery, and fraud in society make it uncomfortable to see Quaid-e-Azam’s image on currency notes being used in such activities. He described his remarks as a reflection on the country’s moral decline rather than criticism of the nation’s founder.

Shehzad Nawaz also referred to changes made to inscriptions on currency notes during different governments. He noted that the phrase “Halal Rozi Ibadat Hai” was prominently displayed during General Zia-ul-Haq’s era but later became less visible.

The comments quickly attracted attention on social media. Some users interpreted the statement as a symbolic protest against corruption, while others disagreed with the suggestion of removing Quaid-e-Azam’s portrait, calling it inappropriate and unnecessary.

The actor has recently gained attention through his podcasts, where he frequently discusses social issues, corruption, governance, and public attitudes in Pakistan.