KARACHI: Women’s rights activists have strongly condemned the government’s decision to confer the Pride of Performance Award upon singer Ali Zafar, who is facing sexual harassment allegations.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Dr Arif Alvi, the legal counsel has termed the move ‘a smear campaign’ and urged to rethink this year’s selection.
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The women’s rights activists urged the government to defer the decision to a time when all legal matters pertaining to allegations against the nominee have ceased.
“We believe that the current government, working on a mandate to incorporate equity, justice within all political institutions and political machinery, has a special duty towards the protection of Pakistani women and other marginalised communities,” it added.
The letter further stated that while each person was innocent until proven guilty, Zafar stood accused of multiple charges of harassment in cases that were currently ongoing. “Given the distinct accolade the award entails, we do not wish to see its legacy tarnished,” it stated
“The timing of such conferment was deeply troubling and highly insensitive. It is troubling because of the impression it gives that the Pakistani state inadvertently stands behind men accused of sexual misconduct, regardless of pending verdicts,” it added.
Ali Zafar was accused by his singer Meesha Shafi of harassment. He has denied the accusations and sued Shafi for tarnishing his reputation.
