Life & Style

Celebrities question and condemn Shah Hussain’s early release

‘Do not allow tried and convicted abusers and murderers to be let off like this,’ wrote Nadia Jamil

Entertainment Desk July 28, 2021

Shah Hussain, who was convicted of stabbing Khadija Siddiqui – a law student – 23 times, was recently released from prison after three and half years, much earlier than his sentence, which was supposed to last five years.

The release led to an outcry in social media, with prominent public figures and celebrities taking to social media to condemn the release. The fact that his freedom came mere days after the murder of Noor Mukadam, which has triggered a wide-ranging conversation about femicide and patriarchal violence in Pakistan, has left people particularly disappointed.

Khadija Shah took to Twitter to write, “I waited, waited and waited for them to reach out! Zero response. I want answers from IG jail and Minister for prisons, @Fayazchohanpti. Your silence reeks of complicity You are responsible for allowing early release of my attacker!”

I waited, waited and waited for them to reach out! Zero response.

I want answers from IG jail and Minister for prisons, @Fayazchohanpti

Your silence reeks of complicity

You are responsible for allowing early release of my attacker!
— khadija siddiqi (@khadijasid751) July 26, 2021

Lawyer and rights activist Jibran Nasir shared in a tweet, Shah Hussain stabbed @khadijasid751 23 times, released from jail after serving 3.5yrs against his 5yr sentence. Can PTI explain how when Govt can’t remit sentence without Khadija’s consent nor does he qualify for good behaviour release given conviction under 324PPC @ShireenMazari1."

Shah Hussain stabbed @khadijasid751 23 times, released from jail after serving 3.5yrs against his 5yr sentence. Can PTI explain how when Govt cant remit sentence without Khadija's consent nor does he qualify for good behaviour release given conviction under 324PPC @ShireenMazari1 pic.twitter.com/UGHtQs1ymn
— M. Jibran Nasir 🇵🇸 (@MJibranNasir) July 22, 2021

Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy posted a screenshot of Shah’s tweet to her Instagram story, writing, "He stabbed her 23 times," she wrote. "Why is he out of jail early? Why don't you respond?"

Zara Tareen reacted to Hussain’s early release, sharing her disappointment at the ongoing violence against women in the country. "At this point the hashtag should just be #JusticeFor _______ (insert any woman’s name)," wrote the actor.

At this point the hashtag should just be #JusticeFor _______ (insert any woman’s name)#KhadijaSiddiqui #JusticeForNoor #JusticeForQuratulainAnnie #JusticeforSaima #JusticeForKhadija #JusticeForWomen https://t.co/xdtbDLhUcP
— Zara Tareen (@ztareen) July 24, 2021

Mahira Khan took to Twitter to simply ask, “Why?” The Raees actor directed the question towards Prime Minister Imran Khan and Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari.

Whyyy?? @ImranKhanPTI @ShireenMazari1 https://t.co/4I5jlIrxFs
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) July 24, 2021

Actor Nadia Jamil wrote in response to the news, “This is unethical and illegal! Surely in constitutional, shariah, humanitarian law! @ImranKhanPTI @UsmanAKBuzdar with great power comes great responsibility. Please protect the women of this country better. Do no allow tried & convicted abusers, murderers 2 be let off like this.”

This is unethical and illegal! Surely in constitutional, shariah, humanitarian law!@ImranKhanPTI @UsmanAKBuzdar
With great power comes great responsibility. Please protect the women of this country better. Do no allow tried & convicted abusers, murderers 2 be let off like this🙏🏽 https://t.co/y7b7P5Jl6W
— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) July 26, 2021

Filmmaker Jami stated that if this is the way the state treats violent criminals, then it has failed Noor Mukadam. He wrote, "State killed Noor if this is the way they behave. #NoorMukaddam”

State killed Noor if this is the way they behave. #NoorMukaddam https://t.co/Kk8Dg8xKdh
— Jami ازاد (@azadjami1) July 24, 2021

Punjab Prisons Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan on Tuesday said Shah Hussain – convicted for stabbing Khadija Siddiqui – did not receive any relief in the form of legal remission from any government official.

Hussain availed "technical remissions" which are given for blood donations and good conduct as per the law and the Constitution said the minister in a video statement released today. Chohan further stated that the details of Hussain’s release had been made been public. The minister's response came after Hussain’s release sparked outrage, with thousands on social media blaming Punjab authorities.