Dawn Images

There are a few things that can get you ahead in the Pakistani entertainment industry and we aren't talking about acting skills. Family connections, an influential background and networking can push you into the limelight and far ahead of your less connected peers. Model Sabeeka Imam recently spoke out against nepotism in a social media post.

She called out the problematic culture of nepotism by saying some people get to debut with renowned industry names like Sajal Aly and Yumna Zaidi without having prior acting experience.

"So it seems like you need zero on screen acting experience and you could also debut with both the amazing Yumna and Sajal. Mujhe bhi itni hi achi LUCK chahiye [I want this kind of good luck] where I don't have to earn it or prove myself first and it just gets handed to me on a plate!" she wrote on Twitter.

She didn't take any names but she was clearly referring to Azaan Sami Khan who is making his debut with Aly and Zaidi in Ishq-e-Laa soon.

Khan, the son of actor Zeba Bakhtiar and singer Adnan Sami Khan, has no acting experience but has worked as a musician and producer. Imam didn't think it was fair that he was given the opportunity with zero acting experience and without having to prove himself.

Her tweet was met with some criticism and was followed by a second statement calling out people's double standards.

"Aap log humein bura bhala kahen to woh sab theek hai lekin main as an artist koi opinion doon to main "jealous"? Salman Khan ki baat sach hai... 'main karoon to saala character dheela hai' [You guys say all sorts of mean things to us and that's all fine, but if I, as an artist, give my opinion then I'm labeled as jealous? Salman Khan was right when he said "if I do it then I have a poor character]," she said, using the hashtag #DoubleStandards.

A Hum TV production, Ishq-e-Laa also stars Sohail Sameer, Uzma Hassan, Usman Pirzada and Simi Raheal.

Whether you like it or not, Imam has a point when it comes to nepotism in Pakistani. There are many people who get ahead because of their connections but unfortunately, this phenomenon is not limited to this industry. That's not to say Azaan is a bad actor — he might be brilliant in the role. The issue arises when talented people are passed over for opportunities in favour of those with connections. In a fairer world, everyone would be given equal opportunities.