In order to stop women abuse, Pakistani Actresses unite against the growing harassment, calling for stronger protections and societal change.
In a powerful show of solidarity, leading Pakistani actors, including Sajal Ali, Mahira Khan, Mariyam Nafees, Zara Noor Abbas, and Faiza Saleem, have taken to social media to express their outrage over the alarming rise in harassment cases against women in Pakistan. The actors are calling for justice and urgent societal reform in response to what they describe as a deeply troubling and persistent issue.
The catalyst for this united outcry is a disturbing video circulating online. The footage captures a man on a motorcycle, with a child presumed to be his son, brazenly groping a woman dressed in an abaya and niqab as he rides past her. This shocking incident has ignited widespread condemnation, particularly within the entertainment industry.
Mahira Khan, one of Pakistan’s most iconic actors, took a particularly impactful approach in addressing the issue. She shared a poignant scene from her acclaimed miniseries “Razia” on Instagram, captioned with the biting remark, “With apologies to dogs.” In the scene, Khan’s character delivers a scathing critique of Pakistan’s harassment crisis, highlighting the dehumanization of women and the societal attitudes that perpetuate such behavior.
Other actors also voiced their strong condemnation. Mariyam Nafees challenged the victim-blaming culture with her comment, “And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a fully covered woman!” Zara Noor Abbas, reflecting on the generational impact of such behavior, criticized the harasser’s influence on his child, stating, “Raising another generation of harassers while they are on the bike. Children are puppets. They do what they see.”
Faiza Saleem advocated for the public shaming of harassers, calling for their faces to be exposed online. Meanwhile, Sajal Ali shared her deep concern over the normalization of harassment, expressing her despair for the future of her country.
The collective outcry from these influential figures underscores the severity of the harassment issue in Pakistan. Their willingness to speak out, particularly through artistic expressions like “Razia,” marks a significant pushback against entrenched societal norms. However, their frustration also reflects a broader concern among Pakistani women over the lack of concrete action to address the root causes of harassment.
This united front serves as a rallying cry for change, offering a glimmer of hope for a future where women in Pakistan can live without fear of harassment, regardless of their attire or location.
