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‘I’m not asking for luxuries’: Saheefa Jabbar Khattak highlights issues of internet outages, Lahore smog

‘I’m not asking for luxuries’: Saheefa Jabbar Khattak highlights issues of internet outages, Lahore smog

The actor urged the government to "wake up and take responsibility for the welfare and security of its people".
28 Nov, 2024

Saheefa Jabbar Khattak is lamenting the situation in Pakistan, highlighting the internet outages and “out of control” air pollution in Lahore which were no longer just inconveniences — “it’s about survival”.

In a series of Instagram stories, the actor said she did not understand why basic services like the internet were not working, calling it “unacceptable on so many levels.”

“I’ve reached a point where I no longer care what’s happening in the government because, as a citizen, l’ve learned not to expect much. But at the very least, I should be able to access my most basic rights in this country.”

Khattak said she paid her taxes, followed the law and did not engage in anything that wouldn’t benefit Pakistan, and in return expected reliable internet.

“Is that too much to ask? It’s disheartening to say this, but my expectations from my own country have dwindled to the bare minimum. I’m not asking for luxuries; I’m asking for what should be a given in any functioning society.”

Her comment came after several parts of Pakistan faced internet outages and an increasing digital clampdown. Citizens reported issues with WiFi and mobile data services as well as social media apps including Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram. They are unable or facing difficulties while sending pictures, voice notes, large files or uploading videos.

The outages are linked to the ongoing protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters heading towards the capital, Islamabad, where barricades and blockages have worsened the situation.

Can’t breathe in Lahore

Khattak also expressed concern about the air quality in Lahore, saying she was unable to breathe because the “pollution is out of control”.

“Even when I choose to stay indoors to avoid the toxic air, I can’t find peace because the internet, essential for my work, communication, and connection with my loved ones is barely functional.”

The actor questioned what hope was left when the basics of life, such as clean air, safety and connectivity were denied to people.

“As a nation, we need to reflect. Where is the welfare of the people? Where is the focus on security, infrastructure, and a better quality of life? It feels like the priorities have shifted away from the citizens and their needs.”

Khattak said she didn’t feel secure anymore and that was secondary to her demand for reliable internet so she could stay in touch with her family and work from home.

“It breaks my heart to say this, but I am deeply disappointed in the state of my country and the choices of those governing it. Pakistan has so much potential, yet we are failing at providing the most fundamental necessities.”

She continued that it wasn’t just about her, but about millions of people who deserved better and were left struggling for the basics of everyday necessities.

Khattak urged the government to wake up and take responsibility to work for the welfare and security of its people, and to restore “faith in a system that feels broken”.

Comments

Hashim Syed Nov 28, 2024 01:37pm
A bunch of elite complaining about Internet while approx. of the population struggle to even have basic necessities. Jis mulk mai peenay ka saaf paani na ho, wahan Internet aik luxury hai Behn!
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Ikhlaque Chan Nov 28, 2024 02:53pm
She is so right.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Nov 28, 2024 03:13pm
Luxuries? What luxuries and which luxuries?
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Jamil Soomro Nov 28, 2024 03:33pm
It appears Saheefa is badly conditioned by the new technology called Internet. " Aur Bhi Gham Hain Zamane Mein Internet Ke Siwa."?
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Ahmed Nov 28, 2024 04:19pm
There are children being harassed and you are concerning yourself with this If anyone thinks my comment is irrelevant then remember this when you speak about children whenever promiscuity is condemned in Pakistan.
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Taj Ahmad Nov 28, 2024 05:07pm
Simply great idea and interest sharing by the actress Khattak.
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John Malik Nov 28, 2024 07:38pm
Most points she makes are right on the money except one. What potential is she talking about? Unless one recognizes the problem, it’s practically impossible to find a solution. Just admit that there’s no potential in Pakistan and that will help your expectations align with reality.
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a4 Nov 28, 2024 09:35pm
mazay lo....no discipline no governance
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M.Saeed Nov 28, 2024 10:41pm
To drive anything, we need the appropriate drivers. But, in Pakistan, when we make non professionals as ministers of professional ministries and bodies, what to expect from them other than the drivers of horrible disasters?
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Laila Nov 29, 2024 02:45am
If you want change we need to unite and protest on the streets in front parliament and such places - just like people did for PTI a couple of days ago. The problem is we complain but most don't want to fight for it or sacrifice anything to achieve the goal. I appreciate she has trouble breathing. I can inform her many people don't have the privilege she has and are literally homeless and living on the streets or in roadside tents. Maybe think about how they are doing. Internet is the least of their concerns.
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Laila Nov 29, 2024 02:47am
@Hashim Syed Exactly. You said it very well. I can't believe how these affluent and priveleged people are complaining... about internet.
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Laila Nov 29, 2024 02:58pm
@Ahmed I'll take your bait because clearly that's what you are doing. Let's see: this article is about the smog engulfing Punjab and Lahore are among the worst hit. An actress/model shares she finds her "basic need" such as internet is not met. Nothing to do with child harassment (presumably you mean sexual abuse). Also there is no correlation between abuse and alleges promiscuity.in Pak Also completely irrelevant to the article on Punjab's SMOG issue. Talk about the smog and how this actress thinks internet is a basic need especially because she can't go out.
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Ahmed Nov 29, 2024 03:48pm
@Laila I always take your name when talking about you. I'm taking about liberals. When condemning fahashi they always change the topic to children. Not focusing on how it's spreading in our society. I just did the same. But over here you forgot about the children being harassed while Saheefa was talking about the internet. Children being safe is also a basic necessity
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Laila Nov 29, 2024 06:26pm
@Ahmed We both know this is not true. Your preoccupation with fahashi/immodest/promiscuity is a you problem. It is not related to the topic of the article. The article topic is the huge issue with ongoing SMOG issue in Punjab. No mention of liberals, condemnation of fahashi or even children in the article. Children safety is vital, but still unrelated to the smog issue. So no, I didn't forget about anything. You deflected from the article issue. Again.
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