KARACHI: With the #MeToo movement gaining traction all over Pakistan, there are two distinct sides to the argument. This polarization has been accelerated with Meesha Shafi’s allegations against well loved singer, Ali Zafar. Now that Ali Zafar has decided to take legal action against Shafi, the matter has gotten even more heated up.
Although Meesha’s story has inspired many others to come out with their own experiences with harassment, many from within the industry, there are always those who defend Ali Zafar, calling him a “family man.”
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In an interview with The Express Tribune, actor Ahsan Khan was asked about his initial reaction to Meesha’s story, “I would stand with all women who have been sexually harassed. Actually, I would stand with any person, not just women, who have suffered any type of harassment.”
Ahsan further explained that he was against the inherent victim blaming that arises if a woman is brave enough to speak out, “There’s no glory in discrediting a woman for revealing that she has suffered a crime. Some people are making jokes out of this situation as well, which is very distasteful. Honestly, I’m hurt by what happened after Meesha claimed that she was harassed. It is very hard for a woman to speak out about harassment. Such women deserve support, not criticism.”
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He also added, “Always remember no one can ever take away your honour, respect, and dignity unless you willingly give it up. I think one must know where to draw a line, to define his or her social limits and alert others of them. Sexual harassment should never be taken lightly.”
However, Ahsan is not taking sides blindly and says he will wait for the truth to come out through legal proceedings, “Ali has said that he will move to the court. Now, let us breathe, sit back and wait for the law to take its course.We must have faith in our legal system. We have a law that guarantees protection against harassment. Section 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code is intact. More importantly, God is fair and will ensure the right outcome. Gossip, slander and chatter will only hurt our sentiments so let’s behave with dignity, grace and responsibility.”
In the end he said, “The only two people who know the facts in the Meesha and Ali case are Meesha and Ali themselves. I don’t think anyone else should muddle in the matter. I wish truth, peace, justice and the courage to admit fault to the both of them.”
