When Opinion Becomes Responsibility: A Conversation with Reema Khan

In a time when narratives are shaped in real time and silence often passes as safety, opinions matter more than ever. They influence how societies think, what they tolerate, and which truths are allowed to surface.

The power of the pen is not only in how beautifully something is written, but in how honestly and responsibly it is used.

Choosing neutrality in moments that demand reflection or resistance is, in itself, a position that often favors the status quo. Mindful opinion-writing becomes an act of awareness: questioning assumptions, naming discomfort, and refusing to let important realities fade into the background. It is within this context that voices like Reema Khan’s matter. This isn’t because they are loud or performative, but because they are rooted in lived experience, thoughtful observation, and the courage to speak when silence would be easier.

1. Reema, please tell us about yourself and your educational background.

I have a BS in Textiles, although my career path clearly missed that memo. I’m married, a mother of two, and an expert in multitasking mostly between thinking too much and managing daily chaos. While university gave me a degree, life did the real teaching. Somewhere between responsibilities, curiosity, and questioning everything, I figured out who I am and learned to roll with it.

I’m Reema Khan a writer, thinker, and occasional mischief-maker who enjoys noticing life’s little oddities. I run Ministry of Non-Issues, where I question assumptions, unpack everyday contradictions, and talk about things we usually brush aside.

I grew up in Karachi during years when chaos and gang wars were part of the background noise. That experience shaped how I see the world alert, questioning, and never too comfortable with easy answers.

Outside of writing, I’m deeply health-conscious and committed to the gym it’s my version of therapy with weights. I juggle life as a mother, wife, daughter, and sister, managing routines, responsibilities, and the small dramas that come with them.

My writing aims to be honest and witty sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes quietly funny. I’m not interested in preaching or grand declarations, just clear observations and words that linger a little longer than expected 

2. How and when did you venture into opinion blogging?

Writing has always been my background noise. I’ve been journaling since forever, mostly to make sense of life. Few years back I stumbled upon a platform called Pakistani Lady Bloggers, shared some opinion pieces, and people actually read them. That encouragement nudged me into blogging turns out the world sometimes likes reading your messy thoughts.

3. Writing can be a great way to channel our pent up energy when we see everything going wrong in the world. What does being able to voice your thoughts so easily mean to you?

It’s therapeutic, honestly. Writing lets me turn frustration into something coherent, or at least readable and somehow, in the process, you find your tribe along the way. Being able to express without filters is a privilege not everyone gets, and I try not to waste it on small talk.

4. We come from a society where women are being hushed into silence. It is indeed a privilege to be born in a family who thinks otherwise. What are your thoughts on us using this privilege appropriately?

It took me a while to understand my privilege, and honestly, I am still learning. I have realized privilege is about listening where we lack a lot. Supporting someone is about empowering them to reclaim their voice in their own way and time. Calling out microaggressions, questioning norms at home, consistent actions create real change over time.

5. We live in a time when raising voice for the truth is more important than ever. Where do you see yourself going with your voice and words?

I see my voice growing sharper, braver, and more rooted in truth questioning systems, calling out hypocrisy, and documenting realities many are afraid to name.

6. The world has seen the best and the most courageous journalists in the last few years. How has their struggle for the truth moved you?

It’s inspiring and terrifying at the same time. Journalists who have risked exile, threats, and death for truth have deeply moved me. What they say we have to amplify, we can’t let there sacrifices go in vain. They remind me that words still matter, and silence is never neutral.

7. For those born with education, privilege, and the means to make a change, what will you advise them?

Many people think change has to be some huge revolution, where truth magically defeats everything wrong and we all live happily ever after. But real change isn’t like that. Speak up, even if it feels insignificant in the grand scheme. Activism isn’t something you can calculate like capitalism. Life is about balancing the bad with the good we do and making sure the good outnumbers the bad. That’s the fight, every single day.

You can find Reema Khan on her blog: Ministry of Non Issues