On Friday, a list of 184 civil awards recipients was issued by the government. The list consists of poets, soldiers, actors, news anchors, singers, and foreign public figures for showing brilliance and courage in their respective fields. In addition, President Dr. Arif Alvi will be presenting all the recipients of their respected honors on Pakistan Day, 23 March 2021.
The renowned Pakistani actor and singer Ali Zafar is among many others to receive the Pride of Performance Awards. Yesterday, the singer took the news to his Twitter and expressed his gratitude. In addition to this, he extended thanks to the government for awarding him with such a high honor. Zafar also thanked his fans and loved ones for showering their love on him.
Deeply honoured to be awarded with the “Pride of Performance” award by by the Govt of Pakistan. I bow down in humility & gratitude to God, forever indebted to my fans and supporters. ??❤️? #PakistanZindabaad #PakistanIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/rV1wx3BZCl
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) August 14, 2020
In another Tweet, Zafar showed his appreciation in a video and said, “This honor is a matter of great fortune. I am thankful to Allah for this honor given by the government of my homeland. And I also thank those who sent me congratulatory messages and prayed for me.”
حکومتِ پاکستان کی طرف سے دیے گئے “تمغۂ حسنِ کارکردگی” کے اعزاز کے لئے حکومت ِپاکستان اور آپ سب کا تہے دل سے مشکوُر ہوں۔ ❤️ ?? pic.twitter.com/IpQ1cXdAbL
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) August 15, 2020
It is to be noted that Pakistani Civil Awards are considered one of the most distinguished awards to be presented to civilians who have made the nation proud.
People believe Ali Zafar does not deserve the award
Well, it seems like the Pakistani singer has once again given us the opportunity to hold our heads in our hands and wonder where the world is going. Apparently, Ali Zafar is to be awarded the honor of being this country’s pride. However, the news has caused quite an uproar among people as they clearly seem to be upset about it.
Keeping the recent history of the singer in mind, Ali Zafar has been one of Pakistan’s most loved celebrities. Having said that, the Mere Brother Ki Dulhan actor lost all the respect when women accused him of sexually them.
Singer Meesha Shafi was the first woman to come forward with her allegations. Moreover, she paved the way for nearly 6 other women to repeat their own experiences of his alleged predatory behavior.
Strangely, the industry is now divided into two halves. While one supports him, the other does not. In addition, the same goes for the general public. Many are not happy with the decision to award an alleged harasser.
Serial sexual harasser Ali Zafar to get Pride of Performance from President Alvi. Tell me again how sexual harassment allegations “ruin” the careers of men?
— Ailia Zehra (@AiliaZehra) August 14, 2020
The medal for Ali Zafar is for harrassing women or for not getting caught/convicted? Confused.
— Almas Sabeeh Saqib (@sabeeh_almas) August 14, 2020
So now Ali Zafar is getting a presidential award. Pride of Pakistan?
Very apt for this Pakistan being ruled by a bunch of misogynistic dimwits!
P.S. lakh di laanut!— Tamkenat (@TamkenatM) August 14, 2020
Ali Zafar to get Pride of Performance award. Who’s next? Harvey Weinstein?
— Sukaina Ali (@sukaina_ali) August 14, 2020
fir lodged against saba qamar and bilal saeed for shooting a harmless video at a mosque. meanwhile ali zafar, a known abuser still roams scot free. yeh hai humara pakistan. yeh hai yahaan ki azaadi.
— Chicken Karahi / QB STAN ACCOUNT? (@queer_samosa) August 14, 2020
tell me again, how exactly are women supposed to speak up about their experiences when harassers like ali zafar are glorified and given medals, quite literally ?!?!? men will win, always.
— sana? (@saanfrann) August 14, 2020
Clearly, the government’s decision has not gone down well with social media users. What a shame!
Besides the rockstar Zafar, President Alvi will present the Pride of Performance Awards to actor Humayun Saeed, and religious scholar and preacher Maulana Tariq Jameel. In addition, Sakina Samo, Naimat Sarhadi, and Pashto singer Mahjabin Qazalbash will also get the award the same award.
What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments section below.
