Saheefa Jabbar, Yasir Hussain defend celebs for absence on election day

Pakistani celebs under fire for flying out for an award show ahead of general elections

Many Pakistani celebs are under fire for flying out to Toronto for an award show at the time of elections 2018.

While Farhan Saeed and Imran Abbas called out their fellow actors to prioritise the award show instead of voting, Saheefa Jabbar Khattak and Yasir Hussain (who is currently in Canada for the same) expressed support to celebs who aren't present to vote.

The actor defended his fellow colleagues present with him overseas for the award show.

"We're in a legal contract with the award show and our dates were already finalised," wrote Yasir.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Blpc99pgeER/?taken-by=yasir.hussain131

"Why are you so inclined to degrade our celebs, who've worked exceptionally hard to entertain all of you because they prioritised their work? I've voted twice and it didn't make a difference," the actor further wrote.

Erm... Okay.

He further called out Imran Abbas to give 'the new kids' a chance and have a bigger heart.

Taking to Instagram, the outspoken model wrote, "As I scrolled through my social media feeds today, I noticed people shaming my fellow colleagues (who have flown to Canada for the awards) as they won't be casting their votes."

PHOTO: FILE

She then went on to add (precisely in 13 points) why the uproar caused on social media is unfair.

"Election dates were announced in end May and our plans with respect to dates were almost confirmed in April. This also means that preparations for the awards started before April," her post read.

She went on to ask her followers to "appreciate the fact that the industry is going global."

"Instead of appreciating the fact that they are going international, stop degarding them infront of everyone else giving an impression that they care less about Pakistan," she added.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/SAHEEFA JABBAR KHATTAK

Saheefa also remarked, "All the artists can afford to go to Canada on their own instead of finding an excuse for having a leisure trip. Everyone has a right to choose what their priority is."

"This does not prove that someone is less patriotic than YOU. Be a Pakistani everyday, 365 days a year! Open your arms and your hearts to accept that people can be busy," she further commented.

The model turned actor also had some sound advice.

PHOTO: SAHEEFA JABBAR KHATTAK/INSTAGRAM

"Step out and exercise your right to vote. Support each other. Hope, pray and play your part for a better a tomorrow and a better Pakistan for everyone."

She concluded her thoughts on a lighter note; "Don't forget the eggs in your breakfast!" she wrote.

Previously, Farhan and Imran called out their colleagues for not voting and taking country's future granted.

"All the people from my fraternity & otherwise travelling abroad at such a crucial time is so heart-breaking . Please let’s not take our country’s future for granted," the Sunno Chanda actor had tweeted.

All the people from my fraternity & otherwise travelling abroad at such a crucial time is so heart-breaking . Please let’s not take our country’s future for granted. #Elections2018 #PakistanElections

— Farhan Saeed (@farhan_saeed) July 23, 2018

Similarly, Imran Abbas also wished the celebs would have prioritise the country's future instead of awards.

PHOTO: IMRAN ABBAS/FACEBOOK

However, Mahira Khan and Hania Aamir expressed regret for not being in Pakistan on the election day adnurged people to go out and vote! Taking to social media, the starlets wrote:

Mahira Khan:

As much as I want to be there tomorrow, it is unfortunate that I can not be," the Raees actor wrote. "There was absolutely no way to delay my work commitment which was scheduled months in advance, I tried my best. And so with a heavy heart I will not be voting this year. I urge all of you to get out and vote!"

"May this year bring the change we all have been waiting to see. InshAllah. Pakistan Zindabad!" she added.

Hania Aamir:

Words alone cannot begin to describe how I feel on missing the elections this year due to prior commitments," the Parwaaz Hai Junoon starlet wrote. "I wish I could have been there to be part of the change myself and play my role in the democratic process as a Pakistani," added the 20-year-old.

"I urge each and everyone of you to go out there and make your voice heard through your vote. I wish the eve of today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan."

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