KARACHI:
A few days ago, Hazim Bangwar took over as the assistant commissioner of North Nazimabad in Karachi. He cleared the Sindh Public Service Commission examination and initially secured a spot as a Provincial Management Service Officer. Before this, Bangwar had completed separate degrees in fashion and law. He is a capable officer who carries out his responsibilities bravely and honestly.
Unfortunately, though, many social media users resorted to criticising and shaming him for his appearance and attire. People mocked him for his degree in fashion and his career as a musician. Pictures from his personal social media accounts were circulated on different platforms with snide remarks about his character and style. In our society, individuality is not valued, and people are expected to behave according to preconceived norms and values. An assistant commissioner should have high levels of personal security, dress in a suit and tie, and be aggressive, and violent. Therefore, Bangwar is believed to be an outcast in Pakistan. But he is a hero elsewhere. He has composed songs for globally renowned musicians and released many songs that topped charts in various countries making him the first Pakistani singer to reach the international charts with an English song.
Constant criticism and character assassination always sap motivation. People should give Bangwar a chance to work in his position and judge him on his performance as commissioner. People should avoid harassing others for their personal choices and refrain from making offensive comments about the private lives of others.
Ayaz Ali Bhatti
Thari Mirwah
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2023.
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