Meesha Shafi’s accusations sparked a controversy on social media as fellow actors came forward to share their opinions on the issue.
Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who recently portrayed the role of a rape victim in her film “Verna,” also came forward and spoke against those “desensitizing the issue” of Meesha’s allegations of sexual harassment against Ali Zafar.
The “Raees” actress tweeted, “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.”
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
Actor and anchor, Hamza Ali Abbasi shared his two cents on the matter as well. Abbasi, who is famous for his conservative views tweeted, “I am beginning to realise that ISLAM was right all along when it ordains gap between the 2 genders. So called modernism has brought us to a point where the line between flirting & harassment is insanely blurred.”
Random thought: With this entire #MeToo global epidemic on the rise, I am beginning to realise that ISLAM was right all along when it ordains gap between the 2 genders. So called modernism has brought us to a point where the line between flirting & harassment is insanely blurred.
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) April 20, 2018
Subsequently, Abbasi tweeted, “FOR EXAMPLE: The man flirts, the woman doesn’t tell him she is feeling uncomfortable, maybe he is in a position of power or other reasons, the man takes it as consent, the woman years later comes out saying she got harassed & the guy keeps thinking he just flirted with consent!”
FOR EXAMPLE: The man flirts, the woman doesn’t tell him she is feeling uncomfortable, maybe he is in a position of power or other reasons, the man takes it as consent, the woman years later comes out saying she got harassed & the guy keeps thinking he just flirted with consent! https://t.co/muXaEZCH6b
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) April 20, 2018
Furthermore, he mentioned that #MeToo is a serious global issue. However, if people had followed the teachings of the Holy Quran, such problems would not take place.
In any case, #MeToo is a very serious issue globally no matter whose side you are on. Ahh, only if we (including me) listen to what Quran said 1400 yrs ago “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (not look at a woman with lust) and guard their modesty” QURAN 24:30
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) April 20, 2018
Nonetheless, he immediately clarified his statement by saying, “I am not justifying men here neither justifying silence as consent, I am just saying how things are getting so blurred & so easily prone to manipulation! Easy liberal hawks… Easy!”
I am not justifying men here neither justifying silence as consent, i am just saying how things are getting so blurred & so easily prone to manipulation! Easy liberal hawks… Easy! 🙂 https://t.co/UsZsU0gdrs
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) April 20, 2018