For those of you who may not know this, a while back, women on Twitter started naming and shaming harassers. Countless men were exposed and shamed. Some apologized publicly, others simply disappeared. Among these men was Khalid Bajwa, the CEO of Patari.
In April 2018, Khalid Bajwa was asked to step down from his position as Patari’s CEO after numerous accusations surfaced with victims sharing proof
Patari issued an official statement regarding the matter. It seemed as if women had received a momentary win and things were going to be better.
However, recently, Twitter has been abuzz with rumors that Khalid Bajwa has, in fact, returned as the CEO.
A few tweets here and there led to #DeletePatari trending on Twitter. That, coupled with certain prominent members exiting the team were further fuel for these rumors.
Understandably, the Twitterverse is abuzz with people sharing their takes on the matter.
So Khalid Bajwa is back as CEO of Patari, Donald Trump is president of USA and Ali Zafar’s film is on track with zero to nil boycott.
Remind me again how sexual harassment allegations ruin a man’s reputation?
— Mahwash Ajaz (@mahwashajaz_) July 1, 2018
#DeletePatri has become the voice of this outrage.
Meanwhile female ex-employees of Patari and Meesha shafi are still bashed online, and nobody cares about their reputation. #DeletePatari https://t.co/0gLCK52UFn
— Anas Tipu (@teepusahab) July 1, 2018
The anger is palpable.
Next time nobody should come up with bullshit like 'it will hurt his reputation' and defamation case. Because it doesn't work this way here. #DeletePatari
— Anas Tipu (@teepusahab) July 1, 2018
People are really pissed at Patari – for multiple reasons.
Rumors about Bajwa being back only added to the initial fury over Patari hosting music from another high profile alleged harasser’s upcoming movie.
Okay what the actual fuck @patarimusic????? Didn't you guys fire your do takkay ka harasser CEO????? only to ENABLE a harasser on your website again????#DeletePatari pic.twitter.com/3uTXpx1JyE
— Ushnaa🏳️🌈🐾 (@Lanaschild_) July 1, 2018
People have a lot of questions.
what was the point of firing your CEO if you were going to host another harasser on your platform again? this is why women don't speak up. our fucked up systems always support the wrong people. #DeletePatari
— adenah (@starryskiesxx) July 1, 2018
Others are showing people how to boycott Patari.
here’s a tutorial on how to #DeletePatari pic.twitter.com/Yq3Kk1PPz8
— shy fawkes (@aloovibes) July 1, 2018
Or are asking them to uninstall it.
I uninstalled patari, did you? #DeletePatari
— Tired minahil 🌈 🏳️🌈 (@surkhminahil) July 1, 2018
People are even pointing out why movements like #MeToo don’t survive in Pakistan.
The reason why movements like #MeToo fail in this country is because even the sanest and educated lot keeps siding with harassers like it’s not a big deal #DeletePatari
— 🌷 (@KalashanKauf) July 1, 2018
I shouldn’t even be surprised. In this country harassment is considered as a fucking joke. I knew exposing him wouldn’t really make any difference. Fuck off patari. #DeletePatari
— zainab (@lowkeyzainab) July 1, 2018
And others are explaining why “women don’t speak up.”
"why don't women speak up?"
this is why!!! we have a system in place that gets active in support of the harassers. #DeletePatari— Ambreen (@ProudPakistanii) July 1, 2018
It’s bad, guys.
I am passive and I don't care.#deletepatari pic.twitter.com/f5ocxTPWjq
— BAE. (@baeresham) July 1, 2018
However, Patari did issue an official statement.
1/2 Contrary to rumors circulating on social media, Khalid Bajwa has not been re-instated as Patari’s CEO.
An independent company wide audit had been initiated, which has now concluded. Recommendations ensuing from that audit will be issued to the company Board to take…
— Patari (@patarimusic) July 1, 2018
2/2 appropriate decisions in due course. Any queries in this regard should be directed towards info@patari.pk
— Patari (@patarimusic) July 1, 2018
People aren’t buying it, though.
Khalid Bajwa was never removed, it was just bullshit to stop the backlash Patari and investors were getting. #DeletePatari https://t.co/FJyJeUIOU8
— Anas Tipu (@teepusahab) July 1, 2018
They want proof.
Khalid Bajwa
Ceo
Founder of Patari
Give me proof he doesn’t have equity, show me the fucker’s resignation, I demand to see proof that he has no stakes in this company.
Stop selling the public lies. #DELETEPATARI #PATARIEXPOSÉ https://t.co/RHDQJR7hP7— Muskara aur Miss kara (@sadzzilla) July 1, 2018
To add to this, an official statement was released by Patari’s team that has resigned:
Ending my Twitter hiatus to share a (personally) monumental decision regarding my position at @patarimusic.
Detailed statement: https://t.co/TZIhSMRvQN pic.twitter.com/RjL9QYeqRO
— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) July 1, 2018
So…what is the truth? Suffice to say, we’re all extremely confused and enraged. Here’s hoping this rumor turns out to be false. Otherwise, truly, it will set the already dwindling #MeToo movement back by miles.
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