Actors Farhan Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui, among others, have rushed to Twitter to condemn PML-N Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan for his “misogynistic” comments about superstar actor Mahira Khan and renowned satirist Anwar Maqsood.
The disrespectful comments were made during a Monday event in Karachi hosted by the Arts Council of Pakistan, only one day after the Humsafar actress publicly declared her support for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.
Dr. Afnan appeared to be angered by Mahira’s comment and rushed to Twitter to criticize both her and the show’s host.
ماہرہ خان کو مینٹل ہیلتھ پروبلم ہیں اور انور مقصود عمر کےاس حصہ میں شراب کےنشہ میں دھت رہتا ہے۔ان دونوں بےشرم کیریکٹر پر عوام کی لعنت ہو۔ماہرہ خان کےکردار پر تو کتابیں لکھی جا سکتی ہیں،یہ پیسہ کےلیےانڈین اداکاروں کی خوشامد بھی کرتی ہےاور انور مقصود تعصب سے بھرا ہوا لعنتی کردار ہے
— Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan (@afnanullahkh) March 20, 2023
Anwar Maqsood is an alcoholic at this point in his life, and Senator Sanders stated that Mahira Khan has mental health issues. The public despises both of these scumbags. Mahira Khan’s personality is so complex that it could fill volumes. Similarly, she tries to earn money by praising Indian actors. And Anwar Maqsood is an evil man who is full of bigotry and curses. Maqsood pressed Mahira about her political affiliation during a conversation.
The actress stepped up to the microphone and announced, “There was a film released recently.”
I asked, “You’re on board with the film, right?” Asked Maqsood.
Mahira broke the stillness after a while, saying, “Mae pathaan ki tarf hun [I side with pathaan].”
Twitter users responded angrily to the senator’s message, which went viral and attacked two of Pakistan’s most prominent celebrities and thinkers.
Watch how @TheMahiraKhan responded when Anwar Maqsood asked about her favorite political leader. Her witty answer earned laughter and applause from the audience.#artscouncil #acpkhi #anwarmaqsood #mahirakhan pic.twitter.com/mPFU7nVz0T
— Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi (@ACPKHI) March 20, 2023
In response to the attack, many others, including Farhan Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui, have spoken out to express their horror and disgust.
Farhan sounded outraged and tweeted: “This is the mentality that doesn’t let #Pakistan evolve, this is what they do when someone only shares an opinion or has a political preference. They take it personally, thus no one will share their thoughts. Senator? “Zuban jahilon wali.”
Similarly, actor Adnan Siddiqui wrote in support of the Bol star, saying, “Such terrible behavior from a public figure is intolerable. The disrespect displayed to internationally renowned figures like Anwar Maqsood sahib and Mahira Khan says more about the gentleman than it does about them.
A supporter of the opposition party PMLN stated, “This is why we loathe PMLN and its leadership – they are vile, misogynist, and rotten to the core.”
A second user called for a response from PML-N to the tweet’s “filthy” attack on the pair.
Check the language, this is a PML-N Senator. Mahira Khan is Pakistan’s largest female superstar, and Anwar Maqsood saheb is one of Pakistan’s most recognized intellectuals, yet Chairman Culture is assaulting them both in this vile way. Do you happen to have any feedback?