Since yesterday our news has been flooded by the shocking allegations by Pakistani artist, Meesha Shafi against her colleague Ali Zafar. She took to Twitter and shared a harrowing tale of how the Kill Dil actor “on more than one occasion” has sexual harassed her. She opened up on social media saying, “Today I speak because my conscience does not allow me to be silent anymore.”
In response to these very serious allegations, Ali Zafar also took to social media and shared his side of the story. He completely denied “any and all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi.” Taking a strong stance against the claims, he wrote, “I have nothing to hide. Silence is absolutely not an option.”
Ali didn’t take time to rubbish the allegations and even said that he would take the matter to court and seek justice.
However, since Meesha used her voice and platform to speak up, many women have opened up about similar accusations against Zafar. The claims suggest that the Dear Zindagi actor has in some form or the other harassed them personally.
1 . “Ali Zafar tried to kiss my cousin and pull my cousin into a restroom with him.”
So @itsmeeshashafi's brave sharing of her experience reminded me of a story about @AliZafarsays from many many years ago, when Ali Zafar tried to kiss my cousin and pull my cousin into a restroom with him. Luckily my cousin's friends were there to push Ali Zafar off https://t.co/kBQbBiwyFP
— Maham Javaid (@JMaham) April 19, 2018
2. The journalist, Maham Javaid further illustrated.
We didn't even think of telling anyone, apart from friends, or reporting him because "he's a celebrity, no one would possibly care or listen". And tbh over the years we forgot the story ourselves, until today. Thanks @itsmeeshashafi for reminding us that our stories matters
— Maham Javaid (@JMaham) April 19, 2018
3. Blogger, Humna Raza too opened up about her experience.
https://twitter.com/HumnaRaza/status/986987056286044161
4. Leena Ghani, an activist and makeup artist, also joined the list.
Thank you @itsmeeshashafi for your courage and your bravery. It’s never easy. But that should never silence us. I am in total solidarity with you. You are not alone in this because #Metoo #TimesUp #WeBelieveYou pic.twitter.com/hkQ61bqnFH
— Leena #TaxTheRichForBasicIncome (@Leena_Ghani) April 19, 2018
The Pakistani entertainment industry too came forward to support Meesha and have shared their views on social media.
1 . Pak actor, choreographer and writer Osman showed support.
A woman breaks her silence about abuse, withstands character assassination & further abuse on social media, her story turns into memes & tone-deaf jokes that trivialize the issue, she fears ostracization – but suuuuure, she did it for the cheap publicity. https://t.co/eDeOpXYUox
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) April 19, 2018
2. Mahira Khan calls it out and how.
The sick mentality of those commenting on an issue as serious as sexual harassment as casually as they are just shows where the root of this problem exists – in our minds. We will continue to breed harassers for as long as we continue to desensitise this issue.
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) April 20, 2018
3. Writer, columnist and blogger, Bina also used her platform to raise her voice.
Men get away with sexual harassment in a culture of silence, where women are blamed for being treated inappropriately & for speaking up about said harassment. We have to change our culture, believe & support women brave enough to speak up. Enough. #MeToo #meeshashafi #AliZafar
— Bina Shah (@BinaShah) April 19, 2018
We still do not know what is the truth and what is false. But we hope that the justice system can shed some light on the incident.