Images

Updated 30 Sep, 2019

When we found out Hamza Ali Abbasi was going to be doing night-time Ramazan television, we were curious. We wondered whether he was going to succumb to being a regular host, handing out Q-Mobiles or blaze his own trail.

Obviously, he's going for the latter.

The actor has made headlines many times in the past for his penchant for writing exactly what he feels on his Facebook account and now, it seems like he's using his popularity to bring causes close to his heart to our television screens.

Hamza, who co-hosts the post-Iftar transmission, Ramzan Hamara Emaan with Aisha Khan for Aaj TV, revealed in a recent episode that he will be discussing the Ahmadi community and blasphemy laws at the end of the holy month on his show in more detail.

Talking to Images, the Pyaray Afzal leading man reveals, "Whether the state has the right to declare a group of people non-Muslims is a long debate. My point of concern as a Muslim and a Pakistani is that if you can freely talk in the media about the plight of every other community in Pakistan, why can't we talk about the suffering of Ahmadis?"

"Why is Ahmadi such a taboo word? Ideological stances aside, my only goal is that when an Ahmadi is killed or persecuted, the media shouldn't be scared to talk about it."

The bold move drew support from various others in the fraternity; fellow activist Mohammad Jibran Nasir lauded his efforts but also had a question about Hamza's views conflicting with those of his political icon, Imran Khan.

We couldn't help but ask Hamza the same thing. He calmly explains: "Imran Khan's personal view about Ahmadis is that they are non-Muslim and he has the right to think that. However, he has also categorically said that while the constitution declares them as such, the constitution as a human and a Pakistani gives them equal rights vis-à-vis safety safety of their life and property."

"He has also said very clearly that we need to address issues like education, poverty, health, corruption and rule of law. When these issues are sorted, every Muslim and non-Muslim, as well as other communities will feel safeguarded."

Was it a conscious effort to keep up his Facebook advocate persona?

"I am who I am, I have only one persona. I'm grateful that the producers accepted me as who I am without asking me to become a typical Ramazan show host. You can expect to see discussions on an array of topics that, in my humble opinion, are rarely discussed."

Comments

Walter Scott Jun 12, 2016 06:30pm
Bad things always happen to good people in Pakistan.
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Mangal Jun 12, 2016 07:02pm
He is a brave young man.
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Awan Jun 12, 2016 07:05pm
I live in Europe. In the past I used to vehemently defend Pakistan. But not anymore. This is because I have no arguments left to defend this sheer discrimination practiced in our constitution. We mock Indians a lot. But we do not know that Indian constitution is one of the best constitutions of the world after America. In India every Indian is an Indian irrespective of the religion. On the other hand our constitution is full of hatred and discrimination. Even Non Muslim has no right to become a Prime minister or President ( 1973 Constitution). Which means more than 3 percent people have less rights than Muslims.. "Ordinance XX" makes Islam as the Proprietary of Muslims only and that ordinance is shocking to say the least. If someone states that he is a Jew, Christian, Muslim, Hindu or Sikh then state has no right to intervene. It is not the right of the state to declare anyone's religion.
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Red Dawn Jun 12, 2016 07:10pm
Good one Hamza. Keep it up.
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Hakim Jun 12, 2016 07:25pm
Mr. Hamza needs to be lauded for his bravery and moral strength to speak on this topic in Pakistan. I was getting the feeling Mullahs have suppressed all sane voices in Pakistan. Ramada Mubarak.
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divergence Jun 12, 2016 07:32pm
People should also ask a political leader about his authority on religious matters as to whom he or she declares a non Muslim or Muslim. As far as I know, the profession of politics is linked with Political science, not Islamic jurisprudence.
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Kamran Jun 12, 2016 07:33pm
If you show any sympathy toward Ahmadi community or oppose blasphemy, you will get killed my friend. This is how it is in Pakistan. Salman Taseer is a good example. There are million more examples though. So, please be careful. Religious persecution is against everyone who speaks the truth about religion. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi is another example.
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Agha Ata Jun 12, 2016 07:37pm
I like the words "Bold Ramzan Show." Is it bold enough to let an Ahmadi join the discussion?
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Badar Jun 12, 2016 07:41pm
No Citizen, Non-Muslim or Muslim, should be persecuted or hounded due to their religious beliefs. Its both Un-Islamic but also inhumane. We all should be tolerant towards each other. But Pakistan has different, and sometimes wrong, social attitudes
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Hamza Jun 12, 2016 07:55pm
Humanity is the first priority in every religion.
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Adeel Zahid Jun 12, 2016 08:15pm
I am not Ahmedi just to clear that first . Why do I have to say that Ahmedi's are non Muslims when applying for passport or NIC card ? why we don't say things like Taliban , Al Qaeda , ISIS and ASWJ are not Muslims instead ? can someone please help here
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nnnn Jun 12, 2016 08:17pm
Yar, in this country everybody has the burning desire to discuss those things which they hardly understand; you are an actor so better focus on your job instead of becoming a scholar please
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Dawn Jun 12, 2016 08:28pm
I salute the Dawn for posting this story and hats off to the person who is speaking for the oppressed. Your efforts will bear fruits one day. also my support for Ms Sirmad who is fighting like a tigress with evils standing by her values n beliefs that in my views are right...cheers.
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Asif Kashmiri Jun 12, 2016 08:33pm
Excellent - WELL DONE
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ABC Jun 12, 2016 08:37pm
I appreciate him as an actor, but in real life, he is very politically driven personality. It's always good to be aware of politics , but you have to do some groundwork in active politics. It seems that Hamza is overwhelmed by IK, he has every right to have an opinion,but he projects his opinion in a bit improper way.
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Waqas Jun 12, 2016 08:37pm
You're a class act, Hamza !
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Johnpauljones Jun 12, 2016 09:14pm
Never thought i will say this but this guy just earned some serious respect in my heart. But this is a country of religious fanatics where even an enlightened Alim ( a rarity in Pakistan) like Ghamdi sb had to leave the country after receiving threats, so my advice buddy is to tread your path carefully and chose your battles wisely but your boldness and intent certainly deserves respect.
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siddiq karim Jun 12, 2016 09:44pm
If the country calls itself islamic republic then you have this problem of declaring muslim and non muslim. Passports and id cards and other documents should not disclose if you are muslim or not Country and its laws should be the same for muslims and non muslims alike.
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Jawaid kamal Jun 12, 2016 09:47pm
@Awan I love you my brother for saying what you said .I live in USA and feel the same way as you feel.
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Pathanoo Jun 12, 2016 10:06pm
@Awan You are a just and brave man.
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Pathanoo Jun 12, 2016 10:07pm
We need more Hamzas and less Mullahs for Pakistan to progress.
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waleed KARACHI Jun 12, 2016 10:08pm
he is trying to gain hype.....
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GOWALMANDIA Jun 12, 2016 10:31pm
A very brave and courageous human soul. This is really "JIHAD-E- AKBAR." Any person who takes the side of oppressed people is real GEM. May GOD protect him from evil MULLAHS and shower HIS blessing on him in this BLESSED AND HOLY month. Amen
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Usman Toronto Jun 12, 2016 11:24pm
Hamza: In Islam, not individual Muslim or group of ulma can declare who is Muslim or not Muslim, nobody have authority of it. Only state have authority of it based on principals of Islam.
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Yawar Jun 12, 2016 11:35pm
These are extremely important issues. But most are afraid to take them on. Hamza Abbassi is one brave soul. As any other good reporter, his challenge will be to adopt a neutral role and give importance to all views, whether he likes them or not.
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Patriot Jun 12, 2016 11:37pm
May Allah protect you in this honorable effort to raise this important but ignored issue.
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hussain Jun 12, 2016 11:40pm
@Awan thats bcoz u do not have people skill or pursuit to see the good side. No one cares about the sob story you are trying to portray over here. If Pakistanis do this than the USA have done that or UK or EU if thats where you are living
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Sameer Jun 13, 2016 12:07am
Good going Hamza. Talk on issues that nobody else talks about for a month and you earned yiur payday. You are alot smart than people give you credit for. Either way Qmobiles and Ramzan barkaat sessions were getting old and boring... you will bring some much needed 'garm masala' and 'sizzling' heat to the month of Ramzan. Finally quench publics thirst for gossip (one of the very things we must fast against) I know you practiced a similar tactic of not promoting your movie with an item number... this got the crowd even more worked up to see what Hamza was talking about. Did good business. So thats just it... good business. Do what Iqral uk Hassan does if you're up for it and you will have my respect.
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Kamran Jun 13, 2016 12:52am
@Adeel Zahid beautiful. Nobody will have an answer to your question my friend.
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Zaki Jun 13, 2016 03:15am
@Usman Toronto if a person claims to be a muslim, he is muslim. Period. No state/perdon/group has any authority to discredit his claim.
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maymoona Jun 13, 2016 03:34am
Issues already setteled and being made part of constitution beside being very sensitive involving religious beliefs of vast majority of Pakistani society should not be made part of casual discussion in ramzan show hosted by an actor lacks basic knowledge of fundementals of th issue. Such an act may lead to undesirable consequences on the society aswel
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Shams Jun 13, 2016 04:28am
@Awan , sorry to say but after reading your comment I am still not sure what are you trying to say?
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Ahmed Jun 13, 2016 05:00am
Nothing will change; however, there's always a first step..
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Agha Ata Jun 13, 2016 05:23am
@Agha Ata. I asked the question, but who is going to answer me?
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Faisal Jun 13, 2016 05:26am
@Usman Toronto There should be separation of religion and state. And who defines "Islamic law", which interpretation, which sect ?
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ally Jun 13, 2016 05:36am
21st century and we haven't reached the level of humanity yet!
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Arif Jun 13, 2016 05:43am
I am so glad somebody has the guts to come up with this. Good going Hamza. I bet you are already aware of the all the criticism you will face but that has not scared you off. Thats great! We need more people like you. I read some of the 500+ comments on your facebook page and was shocked to see the hatred you have received. I bet 99% havent even read The Book
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vvv Jun 13, 2016 05:50am
@nnnn for speaking in the favours of oppressored man need a guts, which I doubt you have not
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mustafa Jun 13, 2016 06:30am
@Adeel Zahid , a very right issue raised.
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Naveed Jun 13, 2016 08:22am
I admire Hamza Ali for his stance. Go and challenge the status quo, the stereotype. Ahmadi's are Pakistanis, every Pakistani should be respected, nurtured and loved.
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AdHawk Jun 13, 2016 08:49am
The Constitution isn't a decree from up above but simply a human-made contract; ours is especially flawed in that regard. A liberal should have no compunction asserting that the Ahmadi clause is an abomination and should be rescinded yesterday. Too bad, Imran Khan is not gutsy enough to go that far.
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Umair Jun 13, 2016 09:08am
This was a political decision i,e of declaring them non muslim by ZAB. It has nothing to do with religion. This is a established fact. But the hatred which we have been fuelling in our generations for the last 40 years against ahmadis is an unpardonable act and now resulting in the social and moral decline and rise and extremist approach in pak.
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Adnan Jun 13, 2016 09:20am
Unfortunately the all discussions are for the sake of TRP.
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Tahir Jun 13, 2016 11:33am
Wait until PEMRA bans the show before even Hamza starts to discuss the issues.
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Nasir Soomro Jun 13, 2016 11:55am
This man has a mettle! It is very well documented proof that,an educated man will question,practices of religions.
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Sheraz usman Jun 13, 2016 12:16pm
I support Hamza's views. But this is a very cruel society and it does not digest new views. According to a quote of Hazrat Ali, i.e, "One should speak to other according to their mental capacity."... So Hamza, go slowly but persistently. InshaAllah, this society would start getting tolerant towards others.
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Abbas Ali Jun 13, 2016 12:57pm
They are also declared non-Muslims in South Africa.
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Alex Jun 13, 2016 02:07pm
Actors are now becoming scholars and newsmen! WoW!
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Syed Waqar Ali Jun 13, 2016 02:36pm
Nobody believes in peaceful coexistence. That's it.
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Nawaid Jun 13, 2016 10:01pm
Yaar Hamza, these molvis are not going to take you anywhere. Do they have the courage to debate an Ahmadi on live television show? Forget about Ahmadi scholar, would they be ready to debate an ordinary Ahmadi on live show of yours? If you can do this, I will become your most ardent fan for life
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sara Jun 14, 2016 10:48am
well, it's good to have a debate on these kinds of issues but 1st these people need to do some groundwork because millions of people are listing and watching the show, if only for rating then it is unethical. They hold some great position in the society but only wonder when they start using it correctly. asking a question is not bad but before asking we should know the background of that. talk about women rights bill, we need that!
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mayus aadmi Jun 14, 2016 04:54pm
Already on his facebook page , people have started abusing him and giving him death threats. What a sad country we live in.
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fayza Jun 14, 2016 07:18pm
Proud of you Hamza..!! Keep going.
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Adeel Jun 14, 2016 09:23pm
At least some one dare to speak out. Bravo!
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white noise Jun 15, 2016 07:06am
This guy has guts to talk about minorities on live TV, he sure has earned my respect. Pakistan needs voices like him who can make mullahs uncomfortable behind their façade !!! Hamza Ali - Salute !!!
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Ramesh datta Jun 15, 2016 09:43am
@Awan Beta i am sorry you are far from reality. I lived in India and but now reside in singapore. Having a constitution is one thing and things being implemented is another.
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Concerned Pakistani Jun 15, 2016 02:46pm
This is just a cheap tactic to get rating for the show. The more controversial the more rating...
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ebi Jun 16, 2016 12:53pm
@Awan Disagree with you totally,
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Lotus Jun 16, 2016 05:50pm
Great initiative Hamza.Wish you the best in your noble inititiative on national television program.We must understand that basically we are Muslims,Christians,Hindus,etc because we are born in that particular region house hold,i.e.,Muslim or Christian or Hindu family,etc.So why as an individual or family be penalized for his particular religion.It was Bhutto who got the Ahmadis declared non Muslims in Pakistan for his own vested political interest.What right did he have as a Head of Govt to get it implemented,thus opening a Pandora's Box for all sects of Islam.Every one knows how much a practising Muslim he himself or even his family was!No surprises but his 1973 Constitution was Not Unanmiously adopted by the Assemblies.
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khalil malik Jun 16, 2016 08:54pm
Hamza proposed an open forum discussion with the Ahmadis on television and the representative of Khatme nabuwwat accepted it on TV. let us see how it plays out. Most of the Pakistanis, unfortunately, have never heard Ahmadi point of view from them. Leaving that aside, every human being has the right to chose and practice and preach his religion and not force it on others. Everyone has the right of equal civil rights in the country they live. Imagine if the non Muslim countries start denying their Muslim population equal rights as citizens.
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Babar Jun 17, 2016 08:21am
@hussain You do not even communication skill ,let alone peoples skill. What the hell are you trying to communicate. Hamza Abbasi deserves respect. And people like Awan are courageous to agree with the truth!!!
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Babar Jun 17, 2016 08:24am
@khalil malik It is only fair that this Super Ramadan show must include Ahamdis in the discussion. They are the only ones who can explain their believes not our fake mullahs.
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Dr.Sadaf Jun 17, 2016 09:34am
Hope he completes his homework before embarking on this mission since they are heavy duty subjects and he will face criticism from the same group with whom he will be discussing it with face to face.
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Sarmad Sadiq Jun 18, 2016 02:02am
@Awan there are 14 % Muslims in India. Only 4% in Parliament, 3% in Civil Service and less than 1% in Army. You want same treatment for minorities in Pakistan .
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Hameed Jun 18, 2016 06:00pm
@Sarmad Sadiq In Pakistan you can not even speaks about injustices towards Ahmadis. How is that not worse than India?
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Nisha Walibhai Jun 18, 2016 09:25pm
@Awan fully agree, well articulated, Awan!
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Babul Jun 19, 2016 12:01pm
What is his religious qualification ? He is Actors he should speak about how to dance etc., religion is not his domain.
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