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I too have been a victim of serious harassment: Ayesha Omar

I too have been a victim of serious harassment: Ayesha Omar

She made the revelation on a talk show that asked her to share her views on Meesha Shafi's allegations against Ali Zafar
21 Apr, 2018

Speaking at Geo News show Lekin yesterday, actor Ayesha Omar revealed that she has been a victim of "serious harassment" by a member of the industry. She added that she doesn't have the strength to talk about it right now.

"I hope I'm as brave as Meesha Shafi one day," she said. "The thing is that it's when people like Meesha come forward, that other people draw the strength to tell their stories."

Sharing her views about the 'rumours' that Meesha's allegations are a publicity stunt or personal grudge, Ayesha emphasised that Meesha has nothing but "negative publicity" to gain from the controversy: "She's getting all kinds of vulgar comments, angry reactions, accusations. And she's lucky enough to have a supportive family. I know she's a bold, outspoken woman and won't stand for any injustice. But for her to still take so long to come forward... what about the all the other women who endure this and don't have the strength to come forward -- whether in their families or publically. If they don't have strong examples like Meesha, how will they be inspired to gain a voice as well."

When asked what she thinks Ali Zafar's response to the allegations, Ayesha said, "Ali Zafar's one of the biggest actors in our industry, I've known him since childhood, he's a friend of mine, but that doesn't mean anything. If there is no proof of [what he's been accused of], Ali has a right to deny anything. i would do the same. But that doesn't mean we can doubt the honesty or intentions of the accuser."

Images has reached out to Ayesha Omar for a comment on the matter.

Comments

ahamed Apr 21, 2018 07:37pm
Ayesha, help other victims by speaking out honestly. Your voice ill be heard. There is no room for harassment anywhere.
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Baldev Singh Apr 21, 2018 07:39pm
Actually men have been powerful, influential and resourceful ever since humanity was created ! That trend continues ! Men must learn to behave with women at home, in schools and society !
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iqbal Zaman Apr 21, 2018 10:07pm
Harassment & bullying is rampant everywhere in the world. Maybe it’s an animal instinct which we need to curb as humans. Punishment if proven is the only deterrence.
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A. Ali Apr 21, 2018 10:15pm
Another one
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HonorBright Apr 21, 2018 10:44pm
"If there is no proof of [what he's been accused of], Ali has a right to deny anything. i would do the same. But that doesn't mean we can doubt the honesty or intentions of the accuser." That confuses me: ali has a right to deny and meesha can't be doubted of her honesty too... Accuser of a harassment is never in the wrong, that's what ayesha omar means?
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N_Saq Apr 21, 2018 11:01pm
Keep fighting for justice because there is always light at the end of the tunnel. It is through laws, rules and regulations through which success is achieved and society is put on the right path. People in Pak needs to support the supremacy of the law and its implementation then everything will fall in its rightful owner place.
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Hassan Apr 22, 2018 02:32am
Where are the powerful elements of our society? Are they sleeping? Why hasn’t there been a protest in front of the Arts Council for the protection of our celebs as it will automatically lead to protection of millions of those who are seeking protection from such a henious crime. We need to prove it as a nation that we are far ahead from those Wetern Societies in punishing the perpetrators and we are not the followers of change, but actually the implementers of change!
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Mirestan Apr 22, 2018 05:43am
Now the time has come to enforce the dress code for female actress in Pakistan. If they want to work with male actors they must follow strict Islamic code. With actors who are Nah Maharam. We have the system which has been followed by Iran, Why not Pakistan? This is the only way to correct present situation.
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Abdulhaque Shaikh Apr 22, 2018 06:36am
Why these women keep silent for so long?
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Leoman Apr 22, 2018 08:24am
She wants to say,both are right and both can be wrong. Wow, what a judgement.
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Life Apr 22, 2018 09:34am
@HonorBright : I think she has intelligently answered the question and she is spot on that rights and innocence of the victim and accused must be respected unless one is proved wrong.
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Kashif Apr 22, 2018 01:58pm
Meesha Shafi in her accusation rightly said that she is an established artist, so why after such a long period or maybe years she is speaking up, why not earlier. And why twitter, go to the police or the courts and follow the legal way instead of blaming on social media.
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alamgir khan Apr 22, 2018 03:04pm
Bravo Miss Aisha Omar . Unless brave women like you come forward and stand firmly behind Meesha this controversary will go no where but make the women of this country more vulnerable to the masculine aggression and sexual exploitation . Consciencious people of this nation will always support you .
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Asad Ali Malik Apr 22, 2018 04:31pm
Let's look for ways to avoid this kind of intermingling among the opposite sexes which can lead to such or even worse incidents. You can't always make everyone perfect. But you can almost always avoid situations that can bring out the inner bad of somebody. Care is always better than cure.
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Halfis Apr 22, 2018 11:40pm
Dangerous industry
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Ali Apr 23, 2018 03:10am
You better speak up plz. This is the time to let it all out.
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Zain Apr 24, 2018 09:50pm
Now a days a joke or silence can be taken as harassment.
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