Mariam Michael Says Christians in Pakistan Still Face Discrimination and Urges Society to Change.

Model and actor Mariam Michael recently spoke about her upbringing as a Christian in Pakistan. She said that from a young age she heard the slur “sweeper,” a term still used in parts of the country. Michael said: “Christians have been degraded from the very beginning. They were called sweepers.” She added that while the media and film sector are becoming more inclusive, the broader society still faces a dangerous culture of intolerance. She warned: “You should listen carefully and confirm what people say. No matter what religion we belong to, you should never kill someone or go against humanity and respect.” The actress noted that isolated success stories in the entertainment field do not erase the discrimination many Christians endure. She described learning that in Lahore and rural villages, Christians are being forcibly converted and, she said, “people are killing them.” Michael also addressed harassment in Pakistan’s entertainment world. She described an incident in which a well‑known Karachi photographer allegedly invited a model to discuss editorial work and then tried to harass her. The model escaped and later told another model that such behavior was considered “normal,” leading her to stay cautious. Michael said she would publicly confront anyone who harasses her, but added that many victims stay silent for fear of jeopardizing their careers. Beyond her advocacy, Michael shared more about her career. She credited her older sister, Roma Michael, for introducing her to modeling. After four years working in Dubai, she moved back to Karachi to assist Roma, who recently won a national pageant, and managed her career. Michael’s first acting role was as an extra in a drama series, after which she landed a part in the film "Faasley," playing a character named Arshi.