Pakistan has literally been in a state of shock since last evening following Meesha Shafi’s sexual harassment allegations against Ali Zafar.
Meesha’s bold statement has made way for other women to muster the courage and share their own stories of alleged harassment at the hands of Zafar.
Read: Meesha Shafi vs Ali Zafar: Debunking The Conspiracy Theories
Leena Ghani, a make-up artist was among the first to endorse Shafi’s claims, stating in clear words that she herself had experienced sexual misconduct when in the presence of the 37 year old performer.
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 (@Leena_Ghani) April 19, 2018
Journalist, Maham Javaid also came out with a similar story where she alleged Ali Zafar had tried to kiss her cousin and take her into a restroom with him. “Luckily,” she stated, “My cousin’s friends were there to push Ali Zafar off.”
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
This was on a boat on the way to a party at the Yacht Club between 2004-2005. Why don't I remember the date? Bc this is what's crazy: in those days such sexual harassment was such a non issue and simultaneously such a taboo that we hardly spoke about it
— Maham Javaid (@JMaham) April 19, 2018
Humna Raza, a blogger also shared a detailed note on Twitter in which she spoke of the ordeal that she faced when as a fan she requested for a selfie with Ali Zafar at a public event. Raza’s statement was filled with apprehensions of being bashed and called a liar but she said she could not remain silent and allow Meesha Shafi to suffer alone.
Read: 5 Measures Patari Music Must Take To Redeem Itself After The Debacle Of Khalid Bajwa
https://twitter.com/HumnaRaza/status/986987056286044161
With all these stories of harassment against Ali Zafar already out, we feel a Pandora’s box has been opened – one that should have been unlocked many, many years ago.
Read: You’re A Certified Sexual Harasser If You Do These 5 Things
More power to these brave women who are betting against all odds to speak-up against sexual harassment against one of the most powerful men in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
This is a developing story and will be updated as and when more information comes through.