The federal government's decision to award the Pride of Performance Award to rockstar Ali Zafar, who is facing sexual harassment allegations by fellow artist Meesha Shafi, has not gone down well with social media users.
On Friday, Ali Zafar had shared that he was 'deeply honoured to be awarded by the pride of performance award by the government of Pakistan. I bow down in humility and gratitude to God, forever indebted to my fans and supporters'.
Though the high court had dismissed Meesha Shafi's plea that had challenged the Punjab ombudsperson (Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace) and governor's decision to dismiss her complaint against Zafar whom she accused of sexual harassment.
But the LHC did not exonerate Zafar, whom Meesha had accused of sexual harassment on more than one occasion back in April 2018, of the charges of sexual harassment. There has been no decision either by the LHC or the Punjab ombudsperson’s office on the merits/allegations of the sexual harassment case.
Many are not happy with the decision to award an alleged sexual harasser.
On Friday, Ali Zafar had shared that he was 'deeply honoured to be awarded by the pride of performance award by the government of Pakistan. I bow down in humility and gratitude to God, forever indebted to my fans and supporters'.
Though the high court had dismissed Meesha Shafi's plea that had challenged the Punjab ombudsperson (Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace) and governor's decision to dismiss her complaint against Zafar whom she accused of sexual harassment.
But the LHC did not exonerate Zafar, whom Meesha had accused of sexual harassment on more than one occasion back in April 2018, of the charges of sexual harassment. There has been no decision either by the LHC or the Punjab ombudsperson’s office on the merits/allegations of the sexual harassment case.
Many are not happy with the decision to award an alleged sexual harasser.
So now Ali Zafar is getting a presidential award. Pride of Pakistan?
Very apt for this Pakistan being ruled by a bunch of misogynistic dimwits!
P.S. lakh di laanut!
— Tamkenat (@TamkenatM) August 14, 2020
Ali Zafar to get Pride of Performance award. Who’s next? Harvey Weinstein?
— Sukaina Ali (@sukaina_ali) August 14, 2020
fir lodged against saba qamar and bilal saeed for shooting a harmless video at a mosque. meanwhile ali zafar, a known abuser still roams scot free. yeh hai humara pakistan. yeh hai yahaan ki azaadi.
— Chicken Karahi / #JusticeForJulie? (@queer_samosa) August 14, 2020
tell me again, how exactly are women supposed to speak up about their experiences when harassers like ali zafar are glorified and given medals, quite literally ?!?!? men will win, always.
— sana? (@saanfrann) August 14, 2020