Dawn Images

Hania Aamir is facing criticism from activist Shaniera Akram after posting a video to her Instagram of herself riding recklessly on a scooter without any safety precautions. Akram has been a vocal proponent of road safety, previously calling out other celebrities for not wearing seatbelts or putting their children in dangerous situations and sharing videos of it.

The video, posted by Aamir in a carousel on Saturday, shows the actor standing behind a man riding a scooter, wearing heels and dancing. The clip quickly circulated online, catching the attention of Akram, who issued a strongly worded statement.

“I worked so hard for so many years with hospitals and doctors to try to influence the youth of Pakistan to wear helmets and ride safely. This is like a dagger to my heart!” she wrote on her Instagram stories. “Celebrities have the power to influence millions. It breaks my heart when this is abused.”

Akram stressed how dangerous such stunts can be, not only for the person involved but also for the audiences that may be tempted to copy them. “As a mother, I know how impressionable influencers are on our children. For one stupid post, there could be thousands of casualties. This does not sit well with me.”

She added that while she does not enjoy calling out celebrities, she felt compelled to speak up in this case: “If I can influence the influencers not to post such reckless or irresponsible content, then it is worth it. Hate me if you want, but I can’t sit back when so many people have died doing these stunts for popularity.”

In a follow-up post, Akram clarified she had nothing personal against Aamir. “She should know better than this. It’s not rocket science; it’s illegal and stupid. I really hope that she sees this is not okay and sets it straight with a post that reminds her followers not to copy this kind of behaviour. And thank God nothing happened to her.”

So far, Aamir has not responded publicly to Akram’s remarks. The original video remains on her Instagram, and her most recent post features behind-the-scenes photos from a project — including other stunt shots.

Akram’s frustration is understandable. Celebrities don’t owe the public their private lives, but they do bear responsibility for the public content they choose to share, especially when it’s the kind of content that could endanger lives if imitated. Aamir has 19 million followers and so her reach is even greater than the average celebrity.

Social media reach is a powerful tool, but with that power comes the responsibility to not glamourise recklessness, particularly in a country where road safety is already an ongoing crisis.