Concerned feminists protest against President’s Pride of Performance Award to Ali Zafar

The Aurat March participants and feminists penned a letter to PM Imran, expressing ‘concern’ over the Pride of Performance award conferred by President Alvi on singer Ali Zafar.

Zafar, who is a renowned celebrity in Pakistan, was accused of sexual harassment by Meesha Shafi. Zafar has denied the charges and sued Shafi for tarnishing his reputation.

“The decision by the office of the President to confer the Pride of Performance to Ali Zafar has deeply concerned us, as Mr. Zafar stands accused of multiple charges of harassment in ongoing cases. Given the distinct accolade the award entails, we do not wish to see its legacy tarnished,” read the letter.

“It is troubling because of the impression it [conferring the award] gives — that the Pakistani state inadvertently stands behind men accused of sexual misconduct, regardless of pending verdicts. It is insensitive as it moves to invalidate the testimonies of multiple women coming forward, and promotes a culture where sexual misconduct is not taken seriously,” stated the letter.

Feminists across Pakistan condemn the recent decision by the President to award the Pride of Performance to Ali Zafar; while he has been accused of sexual misconduct pending verdicts. pic.twitter.com/UiYhNxsvAW

— Aurat March – عورت مارچ (@AuratMarchKHI) August 19, 2020

The feminists called on the prime minister to defer the decision to a time when all legal matters pertaining to allegations against Zafar have ceased.

The letter ended by urging PM Imran to take these matters under consideration urgently.

“We request you take these matters in urgent consideration, as the offices of the government of Pakistan cannot be associated with discriminatory systems, symbols, standards and work ethics,” it stated.