You might have watched the viral video of Uzma Khan by now, in which she and her sister is seen pleading for “aik akhri chance”. While the video gave away the idea of Uzma being held accountable for having an affair with some Usman, the whole story turned out to be a major fiasco.
Actress Uzma Khan released an official statement after a viral video circulated on social media showing her pleading to someone who wasn’t clearly visible for “aik aakhri chance“
She claimed that women who she said were daughters of real estate tycoon Malik Riaz stormed into her home. Uzma claimed that they attacked and harrassed Uzma and her sister with 12 gunmen. Uzma also said she’ll continue to fight for justice despite knowing that odds are probably not stacked in her favor.
This is my official statement – Remember your gunmen pointed their guns towards two orphans and sexually harassed. We might be weak but now we have faith in Allah and people of Pakistan. I request you to share my statement and standby me in my difficult times. #uzmakhan pic.twitter.com/0QNgBUlTRb
— Uzma Khan (@uzmaaaK) May 27, 2020
After Uzma Khan’s statement went viral, a woman named Amna Usman, who said she was the one who barged into the place that Uzma claimed was her house, responded
She said she was the wife of the man, Usman, allegedly in a relationship with Uzma Khan and was the source of this conflict. She further claimed that Malik Riaz has nothing to do with this incident. Malik Riaz himself issued a statement denying that he was related to the man in question and said that his name was being maliciously involved for ulterior motives.
Amna also claimed that she did not barge into Uzma’s home but that the home was owned by her husband as his second home so she claimed that she had a right to do what she did.
EXCLUSIVE: Amna Usman, the wife of Usman Malik just came out… #UzmaKhan
Part – 1 pic.twitter.com/4O26GdVXEN— Shiffa Z. Yousafzai (@Shiffa_ZY) May 27, 2020
The storming in and beating up of Uzma Khan, in the leaked video, has raised serious concerns over privacy in one own’s home and allegations of abuse of power. People are speaking up against the influence used by the wife to break into Uzma’s home with armed men, just to threaten and harass her.
Pakistani celebrities are also speaking up for their fellow actor and the ordeal she went through
Raising a voice for two women who were verbally & physically harassed, their property & bodies violated, where there was utter contempt for law (& due process, a phrase you love to throw around when it's a woman accusing a man of sexual harassment) ≠ endorsing infidelity.
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) May 27, 2020
Mehwish Hayat spoke about how a very basic human right was violated
Let's differentiate b/w what is a moral issue & a legal issue. Two wrongs cannot make one right. The right to security at your home is a basic human right enshrined in law. This is a real test for the authorities,who need to prove to us that no one is above the law! #uzmakhan
— Mehwish Hayat TI (@MehwishHayat) May 28, 2020
Mahira Khan stood for accountability because a law was apparently broken
Two very different topics being argued. One is infidelity – which no one in their right mind stands for. The other is – how the powerful get away with absolutely anything! I stand for accountability always. May we all be treated equally by the law of this land. #UzmaKhan
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) May 28, 2020
Actress and model Nausheen Shah also lent her voice in against physical violence
Adnan Malik called out Usman who allegedly stepped out of his marriage and led to his wife storming in and beating up Uzma Khan
I couldn’t watch the whole video bc I felt repulsed- physical violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse & an abhorrent sense of privilege. Its our patriarchal mindset that pits women vs women, whereas the main offender, a deceitful man-child who can’t keep it in his pants, is MIA
— adnanmalik (@adnanmalik) May 27, 2020
Armeena Rana Khan also voiced her concern over invasion of privacy of Uzma Khan
Relationships are private but THE LAW is public. Where this crosses a line is when armed men without legal writ storm a private residence and inflict violence upon unarmed citizens. THIS is the MOST concerning aspect of this whole sad incident. #UzmaKhan
— Armeena 🦋 (@ArmeenaRK) May 27, 2020
Hania Amir condemned the entire incident calling it a “show of power” in a very strong video message
She said that nobody would have dared to break in if Uzma had been related to someone powerful so the ball is in the court of the Government now.
Zhalay Sarhadi said that it was the married person’s responsibility to respect the sanctity of marriage
Sarwat Gilani condemned the inhumane act and supported her Jawaani Phir Nahi Ani co-actor Uzma Khan
Yasir Hussain urged the law and Government to do the right thing
Veteran actress Sakina Samo encouraged Uzma’s fight and sent prayers for her
#UzmaKhan You are fighting against the rich and powerful. You may lose the battle but it’s good to know you are fighting. Hope they get a little horror for terrorising/ hurting you 2. Sending you prayers.
— Sakina Samo (@sakinasamo) May 27, 2020
Barging into someone’s home, threatening, and attacking her really raises questions about a plethora of human rights that the Constitution of Pakistan states it would protect for all citizens. Our country has had a long history of abuse of power by the rich and powerful. Whoever the culprit is, this case will prove to be yet another test case for our country to show if the law really is equal for all.
Cover image via: dailytimes.com.pk / tribune.com.pk / trending.pk