Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi accuses Ali Zafar of sexual harassment

After creating a stir in Hollywood, #MeToo movement has now made its way into the subcontinent. Earlier in April, Telugu film actress Sri Reddy had accused prominent film producers of Telugu film industry of casting couch and now popular Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi has accused singer-actor Ali Zafar of sexual harassment.

In a long post on Twitter, Shafi stated that she felt betrayed by his behaviour as they have known each other for a long time and even performed together.

"Sharing this because I believe that by speaking out about my own experience of sexual harassment, I will break the culture of silence that permeates through our society. It is not easy to speak out.. but it is harder to stay silent. My conscience will not allow it anymore #MeToo" Shafi wrote on Twitter.

In a lost post that accompanied Shafi's tweet, the singer wrote, " Throughout my career, my family and fans have given me unconditional support... However, despite having a voice there are some issues that are very difficult to speak about as a woman, especially sexual harassment. Today I speak up because my conscience doesn't allow me to be silent anymore. If this can happen to someone like me, an established artist, it can happen to any young woman and that concerns me."

"I have been subjected, on more than one occasions, to sexual harassment of a physical nature a the hands of a colleague from my industry: Ali Zafar. These incidences did not happen when I was young or just entering the industry. This happened to me despite the fact that I am an empowered, accomplished woman who is known for speaking her mind! This happened to me as a mother of two children!"

Add WION as a Preferred Source

The singer admitted that the experience had been traumatic for her and her family as Ali is someone she has known for many years and has shared the stage with.

Shafi hopes that by sharing her experience, she is "breaking the culture of silence and setting an example for young women in Pakistan to do the same."

This is the first time that any prominent figure in Pakistani film industry has spoken out against sexual harassment. Ali is yet to comment on the allegations.

Meesha is a prominent singer who is credited for songs likeAaya LaariyeandBhole Bhaley. She was also seen in a cameo role in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag opposite Farhan Akhtar.