Twitter is confused about the celebrity protest that happened yesterday outside Karachi Press Club.
A star-studded expose’ made the headlines yesterday evening. Some A-list celebs gathered outside the Karachi press club for a peaceful demonstration. Those spotted included the likes of Mahira Khan, Adnan Siddique, Bushra Ansari, Deepak Parwani, Sarah Khan, Ayesha Omer, Ali Rehman Khan, Freiha Altaf, Yasir Hussain.
Moreover, fashion designer Maheen Khan, Asim Jofa, actor Sarwat Gillani, Anoushay Abbasi, Aijaz Aslam, director Wajahat Rauf and his wife Shazia Wajahat were also present.
However, this isn’t the first protest that has taken place following a series of unfortunate rape incidents. The first demonstration took place on Saturday. Aurat March (a feminist group) organized this protest. The purpose of the protest was simply to raise their voices and concerns over the lack of safety, the rampant nature of rape incidents as well as the sheer lack of accountability of culprits in such cases. Celebs like Meesha Shafi, Hajra Yamin, and Sanam Saeed stood in solidarity with the Aurat March.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFC30aqBSmP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Why did the celebs arrange a separate protest?
It is uplifting to see celebrities making use of the platform they have to spread awareness and speak up against the social evils. However, some people found it strange that celebrities arranged a separate protest instead of making attendance at the one on Saturday.
Glad to see that celebrities protested today but it would be more helpful to have consolidated efforts. A massive protest took place on Saturday outside Karachi Press Club. Celebrities should've thrown their weight behind that instead of keeping a separate protest for themselves
— Manal Faheem Khan (@ManalFaheemKhan) September 14, 2020
Still don’t understand why Pakistani celebrities had to have their own protest in Karachi? Was the common people protest not good enough for them? #amotorwayRape
— Sehar Tariq (@sehartariq) September 15, 2020
Many thought that this was merely an attempt to get attention. While some thought they did not want to be associated with the organization Aurat March.
Speaking from experience of my own interaction with them, they really are clueless about the 'rest of the country'.
— MehrHusayn (@mfhusayn) September 15, 2020
Without taking away from their efforts, am curious to know how Karachi celebrities missed the memo re Saturday's protest.
— Zebunnisa Burki (@zburki) September 14, 2020
They probably didn’t want to be associated with the "Surkhas", ya know they are so political uff.
— Aqsa Hakeem (@Aqsa_Hakeem) September 14, 2020
Because when do celebrities not make it about themselves? Its like their defining character trait lol
— Haiya Bokhari (@haiyabokhari) September 14, 2020
Whereas, some pointed out how their protest over-shadowed the on-going protest by the transgender community.
In the pictures that surfaced on social media, we could spot transgenders as well. Recently, trans-activist Gul Parna was mercilessly murdered. The trans-community arranged a protest in the wake of the incident. Many expressed concerns over the celebrities hogging the limelight and the trans protest getting side-tracked in terms of media coverage.
Not trying to downplay anything or anyone’s efforts for today’s protests, but the way trans community’s voice was snatched by a ‘bigger’ voice in a span of 15 minutes. – you should’ve seen.
— Rida Lodhi (@ridaalodhii) September 14, 2020
The transgender community was involved in mobilising people for the protest in Karachi today. They are standing on the other side. Not being included.
Guess who is at the protest though? Yasir hussain. Do you remember his transphobic remarks? Because I do. pic.twitter.com/fSroFfoWrv
— adorable housing (@Maabehnkadanda) September 14, 2020
https://twitter.com/ImGreenGuru/status/1305540076789739534
https://twitter.com/MaazPervez/status/1305563137198833671
Whatever the reason may be, it is important to look at the bigger picture. Extending support to causes that matter and creating awareness is the first step towards inviting change. Celebrities can leverage this change owing to their influence and status. This attempt should not be downplayed as it is an attempt in the right direction.
What are your thoughts on this matter?
