Still waiting for you to respond: Momina Mustehsan awaits Ali Zafar's apology

The singer wants all men to question themselves if they've ever violated a woman

LAHORE: Popular singer Momina Mustehsan has urged actor Ali Zafar and all men who have violated a woman in any way, to acknowledge their fault and apologise unconditionally.

Momina posted an open letter on social media, admitting that she has been a subject of harassment herself. She shared her thoughts after singer Meesha Shafi openly accused Ali of sexual harassment, which he denied.

Shafi's statement has sparked Pakistan's own #MeToo movement and more women are sharing their experiences as well.

"This issue is bigger than just that of Ali Zafar," Momina wrote. "This is about the relationship of trust, that men take for granted with women. Very often, as we can see, women are violated by the men they know, trust and often work with," she added.

#MeToo needs a response #ImSorry from the offenders. Nothing will change until they acknowledge, take responsibility and make amends. pic.twitter.com/sphI1c1agT

— Momina Mustehsan (@MominaMustehsan) April 20, 2018

The Afreen Afreen singer also addressed why most women take years to finally speak up. "It's because rather than shame the perpetrator, society at large tends to shame the victim. There is also immense social pressure to ‘not say anything', and keep matters like this private because some people may immediately question the woman's character," said Momina.

The 25-year-old singer extended her support to all women who have had to deal with inappropriate behaviour. "It's time Pakistani women are able to stand up and hold their oppressors accountable," she said.

Momina also mentioned that harassment of any sort is not acceptable. She further mentioned, "I would want to ask Ali Zafar and all other men one question: do you think you have ever, knowingly or unknowingly, violated a woman in any way or form? If you have, I request you to acknowledge your fault and apologise unconditionally."

The singer tweeted yet again, asking Ali to respond to her question.

Still waiting for u to respond @AliZafarsays. Do u think u have ever, knowingly or unknowingly, violated a woman in any way or form? https://t.co/CS2fYHpWN8

— Momina Mustehsan (@MominaMustehsan) April 21, 2018

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.