One would think time would have solved the Ali Zafar and Meesha Shafi debacle, but it only results in new plot twists. As of recent, television critic and journalist Mahwash Ajaz has come forth with what seems like an extended apology of sorts to Zafar for her previous views and claims about the singer and the ongoing harassment ordeal.
“Deeply regret and sad about the pain I’ve caused Ali Zafar and his family. As some incidents have revealed, and as court proceedings are on the way in the case and more facts come forward, you will see why I’m writing what I’m writing,” she tweeted.
“I write this with pain and anguish and I feel betrayed by many who have claimed to fight for this cause. Also, I will be taking back all my tweets regarding the allegations against Mr. Zafar and those associated with him,” she added.
This created a major uproar amongst the netizens, and basically divided the internet once again. While Ajaz’s vague statement did not give any reasons as to why she was extending an apology to Zafar, it surely seemed to side with his narrative.
READ: Ali Zafar to remake Channo with Naughty Boy
Consequently, many have supported Ajaz on changing her stance on the case, as the journalist had been quite vocal about Zafar and her disdain for him in the past. Similarly, it is also being assumed that this might just be one of the many PR stunts celebrities pull to make things work in their favour, as Ajaz is evidently short of evidence to support her claims.
Some of these reactions will help you gain a better insight into what people are feeling about the whole affair.
You have earned a new found respect in my eyes. What you have done is no easy feat. But you have bravely chosen to stand by a principal. Bravo. Need more women like you.
— S. (@_shysta) February 17, 2020
Ajaz is also being repeatedly called out for her obscure statement as people demand to know what made her change her narrative.
You cannot just disappear without telling your audience what happened that makes you regret standing up for those women
— Kabutarr ja ja ja (@queserasarasara) February 18, 2020
It is irresponsible to tweet this out without specifying what evidence / proof you claim to have that led you to this conclusion. Its implying that all the numerous women that came forward are lying b/c you know something we don’t & its incredibly damaging to the movement https://t.co/40pDPwqLAf
— Daanika Kamal (@daanistan) February 18, 2020
Some also feel that Ajaz’s statement is insensitive to all the women who came out against Zafar.
Wow this was unexpected. There r some of us who’ve been following the case, esp hearings, & this frankly just seems v shallow. It’s ur prerogative to support whoever u want but this was hollow w/o any reasoning. Plus, it means u’re invalidating all women who spoke up against him? https://t.co/xtwvHE22sX
— हसीम • Haseem • حسیم 🏳️🌈 (@haseemuzzaman) February 18, 2020
Which brings us to Leena Ghani’s response, who was also one of the women who came out with her harassment experience involving Zafar and also revealed how she was repeatedly being threatened to retract her statement.
Not that I care what you think anymore. But seriously sad that you can fall for such antics. Mujh se bhi mil leti I couldve shared many instances. Lekin shahid apko aurtoun ki pain ki na samajh hai na care. Ap tu crocodile tears per he bik gaye aur crorepati bhi bun gaye. 🤑 https://t.co/3IWBRzZYct
— Leena (@Leena_Ghani) February 18, 2020
It is also being insinuated that her move is all pre-planned, as she was subtly promoting Zafar’s film three days ago.
Ohohoho Mahwash, you could have been a little discreet in ruining a damn movement.
Such coincidence? https://t.co/Qw49SlT173
— Moochar (@AsliBinLaden) February 18, 2020
And we also have Shafi’s lawyer Nighat Dad suggesting that Ajaz is also one of the many people who is being intimidated into siding with Zafar.
Wah best way to intimidate and silence people in Pakistan is to use cyber crime law, file complaints against them, keep sending notices via FIA and pressure them to publicly apologise online. Brilliant strategy by harassers! Pity that your life is reduced to this.
— Nighat Dad (@nighatdad) February 18, 2020
We’re currently all eyes and ears to see how the story unfolds.
