Adil Raja – the self proclaimed geo political analyst’s remarks on Pakistani actresses and models were ignored by many who considered them inconsequential while others clapped back. But is there a silver lining to all the social media uproar?
Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners – Lawrence Sterne
Adil Raja, allegedly accused famous Pakistani models and actresses of moral transgressions and harbouring secret relationships with the top brass of the Army.
Needless to say, women have been the target of moral policing, with society questioning their behaviour, actions, dressing, social standing etc. etc. etc. And when these women belong to the entertainment, or for that matter, any media industry, or working in the public domain, they are often vulnerable to being judged as if their private lives are a source of public conversation. Hence, unfortunately, it is not of consequence whether the actresses initials mentioned in the accusatory video (which FUCHSIA will not post because we don’t want to add more fuel to inflammatory comments) relate to any one actress in particular or the ones assumed to be targeted, the accuser needs to know that calling out a woman’s honour, personal lifestyle and/or moral policing is not and should not be a national past time. And if it is considered one, it needs to stop!
It is imperative to point out here that many of these women represent our nation on International platforms, have made us proud repeatedly and should be considered nothing short of goodwill ambassadors and even national treasures!
Actresses’ Response
Actors are considered goodwill ambassadors but it seems like some forces are constantly trying to harm their reputation. In general, although some influencers and celebrities are speaking out against the statement, there is a silent majority that is not offering up too much by way of response or prefer not to give any more undeserved attention to the accuser. Actress Kubra Khan has threatened Adil Raja with a lawsuit as she shared below on her Instagram story. Mehwish Hayat and Sajal Aly also responded to the allegations.
It is interesting to note that the accuser has been threatened with a lawsuit if he does not retract his statement or offer proof for the same. This move could well, in the medium to long run, make other and future accusers think twice before they proceed to name and judge women on issues that should, primarily be none of their business! It could also potentially open doors for considering casual and insensitive remarks made by social media users as condemned and marked for hate speech. Talking about women, is, unfortunately, becoming a national disease.
It is imperative to point out here that many of these women represent our nation on international platforms, have made us proud repeatedly and should be considered nothing short of goodwill ambassadors and even national treasures!
Mehwish Hayat, Sajal Aly and Kubra Khan Had This To Say
People from the media industry are raising their voice and rising in support of their fellow actresses. Prominent names are Adnan Siddiqui, Anoushey Ashraf, Maria Memon, Zara Noor Abbas, Rabia Anum, Ubaid Ullah Siddiqui, Najia Ashar, Absa Komal and others. Actress and host Anoushey Ashraf also shared her disappointment on the issue. She slams all those mindsets who agree with the accuser. She also mentioned how we have failed collectively to nourish healthy and logical-minded humans.
Being a woman in Pakistan comes with its fair share of challenges. We salute these strong-headed women who stood up for themselves and at the same time, feel extreme remorse that alongside making their country proud, they have had to face perpetual slanderous comments from a certain segment of society.
As with every cloud, we hope for a silver lining and this incident should urge our cyber bullying centres to move into action to curb social media users from character assassination and commenting on anyone’s, especially a public figure’s personal life, be it men or women! And as for the silent majority, calling out a wrong will always help, not hinder, in developing a safer online community which is a win, win for all, so go ahead and just do it!
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