Sajal Ali, Mahira Khan, and Others Condemn Growing Wave of Harassment
Prominent Pakistani Actors Condemn Rising Tide of Harassment in Powerful Social Media Statements
In a bold and unified response to the escalating harassment of women in Pakistan, some of the country’s most renowned actors have taken to social media to express their outrage and demand societal change. Sajal Ali, Mahira Khan, Mariyam Nafees, Zara Noor Abbas, and Faiza Saleem have collectively condemned the alarming rise in harassment incidents, bringing attention to a deeply entrenched issue that continues to plague the nation.
The catalyst for this collective outcry was a disturbing video that recently circulated on social media platforms. The footage shows a man on a motorcycle, with a child passenger presumed to be his son, crudely groping a woman dressed in an abaya and niqab as he rides past her. This incident has sparked widespread condemnation from both the entertainment industry and the public, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Mahira Khan’s Poignant Response
Mahira Khan, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated actors, addressed the issue with a particularly poignant approach. On Instagram, she shared a scene from her acclaimed Express Entertainment miniseries, Razia, alongside a sardonic caption, “With apologies to dogs.” The scene, featuring Khan’s character Razia, delivers a scathing critique of Pakistan’s harassment crisis and the societal attitudes fueling it.
In the clip, Razia is seen veiled in black, her dress marked with terms such as “mamoo” (maternal uncle), “gandi nazar” (lustful gaze), and “tharak” (debauchery). As she lifts her veil, she launches into a powerful critique: “We tried covering up the meat, but the dogs couldn’t stop smelling it. Following the meat’s scent, they ended up at our houses. Because the problem isn’t meat, it’s greed.” Razia challenges the dehumanization of women, stating, “Turning us women into meat, you’re willing to be called dogs? How incredible! God made you human, the noblest of creations with a grasp of good and bad. But even then, if you really want to be a dog, so be it. But stop attacking us like meat.”
The scene ends with a biting commentary on Pakistan’s national motto: “Unity, faith, and discipline. This nation has truly committed to this adage in one area: tharak (debauchery).” Razia has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of patriarchy’s impact on women’s lives in Pakistan and has received critical acclaim for its insightful narrative and Khan’s compelling performance.
Other Actors Join the Outcry
Other prominent actors have also voiced their dismay over the rising tide of harassment. Mariyam Nafees took a stand against victim-blaming culture by commenting on Instagram, “And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a fully covered woman!” Her statement challenges the prevalent notion that women’s clothing choices are to blame for harassment.
Zara Noor Abbas, who recently welcomed a child, emphasized the generational impact of such behavior. “Raising another generation of harassers while they are on the bike. Children are puppets. They do what they see. And this man is leading by example here for the child,” she wrote. Abbas also expressed frustration with a provocative remark: “I wish. I wish I was allowed to murder.”
Faiza Saleem called for the public shaming of harassers, stating, “Their faces should be plastered all over the internet and everywhere else too. This is the harsh reality of millions of women in Pakistan, India, and other parts of the world where any sense of shame is only associated with women, not men.”
Sajal Ali’s sentiment was one of despair, reflecting a deep sense of hopelessness about the future. “It’s awful to see how common it’s become for men to harass women and children. I can’t help but feel hopeless about where we’re headed,” she wrote.
A Unified Stand for Change
The collective stance taken by these influential figures underscores the gravity of the harassment issue in Pakistan. Their willingness to speak out, particularly through the medium of art as demonstrated by Razia, represents a significant pushback against entrenched societal norms that have long silenced victims.
However, their impassioned pleas also highlight the broader frustration felt by many women in Pakistan who perceive a lack of effective action to address the root causes of harassment. The incident involving the motorcyclist, occurring in broad daylight and in full view of a child, serves as a stark reminder of how normalized such behavior has become.
The courage shown by Khan, Ali, Nafees, Abbas, Saleem, and others in using their platforms to challenge the status quo offers a glimmer of hope. Their unified voice serves as a rallying cry for all those who envision a future where women can walk the streets without fear, regardless of their attire or location.