In the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, intolerance continues, and celebrities are no strangers to criticism for their lifestyle choices. Even with the ongoing humanitarian crisis, our awaam (nation) found greater significance in discussing Mahira Khan’s missing dupatta at the pro-Palestine rally. To the point that the actor became a top trending topic on Twitter rather than the topic at hand.
As soon as the Bin Roye actress stepped out to join pro-Palestinian protests in Karachi, she became a hot topic of discussion among social media users. While most users expressed outrage about the human rights abuses occurring in Gaza, some users chose to highlight Khan’s absence of a dupatta with her kameez during the march. Khan is an adult capable of making her own decisions.
Some Pakistanis who are holier than thou have chosen to refocus the debate on moral policing of women’s clothing at a time when humanitarian problems such as Palestinian ethnic cleansing demand our undivided attention. A woman who is self-sufficient enough to select her clothing. A feminist who also insists that the world needs to address more pressing issues.
When will this policing and regulation of women’s bodies and closets come to an end? If you can wear whatever you want and allow others to do the same. You cannot excuse cruelty by claiming that it is merely a matter of ‘opinion.’ The moral police must begin by guarding themselves against profanity and hurtful language. Such worry about a misplaced dupatta
At the very least, she showed up to raise her voice for the poor, and that too amid a global pandemic. It is genuinely heartbreaking to see how, rather than examining the protesters’ slogans or signs or even appreciating the spirit behind such demonstrations.
Mahira Khan has become a top trending topic on Twitter as people point out tone-deaf remarks.
Yasir Hussain and Ahmed Ali Butt spoke out in defense of their colleague and retaliated against trolls moral policing Mahira for not wearing a dupatta.
Some people are more concerned with the missing dupatta of the Bin Roye star and Alizeh Shah’s tank top. When Shah’s black tank-top trended on Twitter last week, she faced harsh criticism and foul language from those enraged by her appearance.