'I've also been harassed in industry': Aisha Omar slams elements slander women

KARACHI: As the #MeToo movement's shocking weaves finally hit Pakistan with new revelations, triggering a long debate on media after singer Meesha Shafi accused her colleague, renowned singer-actor Ali Zafar of sexual harassment.

Another renowned actress Ayesha Omar spoke out in favour of Messha and other women who have been slandered on the social media for speaking against sexual harassment, saying; " I have also been victim of serious harassment in the industry over the years, but could not dare to come forward."

Sharing her words with Geo News, a famous face of Showbiz industry, Ayesha condemned the sudden reaction of the people to an individual who speaks up about an injustice, adding; "Being a woman, especially in Pakistan, It takes a lot to speak about it. I know many women and individuals who have been through the same things. I, myself, have been a victim of serious harassment in the industry over the years".

Expressing her inability to share her own experiences of being harassed, the actress stressed that she would support any human being or any woman belonging to any profession who has had the strength to talk about sexual harassment.

"I hope, someday I have the strength and I am brave enough to talk about it but when people like Meesha or others who have the courage to speak up against harassment are accused of trying to pull publicity stunts."

The actress expressed the need to have strong examples like Meesha's for women to be inspired and gain a voice.

"It has taken Meesha so long to speak about something that has been happening since years and she didn’t have the strength to talk about it, so think about all those women who go through sexual harassment on a daily basis and they don’t have the strength and courage to talk about it publicly or in their families."

Responding to a question about Ali Zafar's denial of accusations, Ayesha said the singer has the right to deny anything said against him if there is no proof of it. She added; "If someone levels the same allegations against me, I will also refute it," she said, "but it doesn’t mean that the honesty or intentions of a person talking about an experience they have undergone should be doubted."

Just hours after singer and actor Meesha Shafi alleged that Ali Zafar sexually harassed her on multiple occasions, more women took to Twitter with a similar allegations.

Zafar denied all the accusations, threatening legal action against the actress.