Adnan, Anoushey, others lash out against internet shutdown, social media blackout and violence

In the wake of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest, Pakistan finds itself engulfed in a wave of protests, unrest, and growing concerns about the erosion of civil liberties. With the authorities resorting to drastic measures such as social media blackouts, internet shutdowns, and the alarming rise of vandalism, a collective voice of opposition and condemnation has emerged from an unexpected source – Pakistani celebrities.

Renowned figures from the world of entertainment, film, and music have taken a courageous stand against these repressive tactics, rallying together to defend freedom of expression and democratic values. As public figures with considerable influence, they understand the power of their voices in mobilizing public opinion and shedding light on the dangers posed by such heavy-handed measures.

From impassioned social media posts to raising thought-provoking questions, Pakistani celebrities have voiced their concerns and called for an immediate end to the blackout, demanding that the government respect the rights of citizens to access information and engage in meaningful dialogue. They have also condemned the acts of vandalism and violence that have marred the protests, advocating for peaceful demonstrations as an essential aspect of democratic discourse.

Adnan Malik

“Blocked cell phone internet, blocked Twitter and YouTube, tv media not covering the protests, Section 144 on the streets. Peaceful protestors arrested and harassed. Army called in to manage. Arrests of the top cadre of Pakistan’s most popular political party. MashaAllah or martial law?” asked actor Adnan Malik in his Instagram Story.

Abdul Hannan

Singer Abdul Hannan shared, “In light of recent events, [Imran Khan's] release has been postponed. Heart bleeds for the country.”

Maya Ali

"I urge all the people out there to please not cause harm to others or yourself," penned actor Maya Ali in her Stories. “Don't break [the] mirrors of anyone's cars, shops, bikes and rob anyone. Don't hurt anyone who is out to support our captain [Imran Khan] in any capacity. It's a very serious matter and we have to handle this situation sensibly without hurting anyone or causing any danger,” she added.

As for the “protestors” vandalizing public property, Ali said, “Those who are destroying things and wreaking havoc: they're not from us, and we know for sure who these people are. Try to help each other in this hard time too. We have to stand as one. That's what our captain always wants." Ali capped off her message with the hashtag, ‘Long Live Imran Khan’.

Mariyam Nafees

Actor Mariyam Nafees posted a video on the photo-sharing app questioning the reaction to the demonstrations, particularly the peaceful ones. “I don’t support vandalism but shooting your people straight in the face? Harassing and manhandling female protestors?” she questioned in the caption. “We’re experiencing the worst shelling and laathi charge and you’re not even sparing elderlies and babies. Who are you people!?” she added.

Hira Tareen

Actor Hira Tareen penned an elaborate note on her Insta: “I do believe peaceful protesting is our basic and fundamental right. But to vandalize and destroy property that serves the citizens and comes from their own tax money or taking part in violence and destruction generally in any form is further causing harm to the progress and prosperity of the nation. It’s contributing to the uncertainty and an unsettling feeling.”

Addressing the growing civil riots and how that has led to O&A level exams being postponed and schools being shut down, Tareen continued, “Students and their education is suffering. Please stop supporting these criminals who are out on the loose spreading terror. It’s hard for me to believe these people are loyal to any party (even if they say they are). Seems like opportunists who are looking for the first chance to loot and steal and pin it on the current political turmoil.”

She concluded, “Regardless, it is a sad state of affairs. Burning Edhi ambulances? Seriously? Be smart and don’t fall for all this. I surely don’t believe everything the news tells me. Keep your families safe. Praying for everyone and our country to survive this and come out stronger. God bless us all and our future here.”

Zara Peerzada

Model Zara Peerzada also lamented the state of the country while condemning the internet and social media blackout. “Media blackout, violence against our own people, an already struggling economy. It will never stop terrifying me that there is not one person in power who cares or fears for the future, or the present for the average Pakistani. Burn everything and kill anyone as long as they come on top. What will be left for them to exploit? How are we going to climb out of this one?” Peerzada maintained that this time, “I don’t think resilience is enough.”

Anoushey Ashraf

Host Anoushey Ashraf, who is “so proud” of her fraternity for speaking out for the love of their country, too, commented on the situation. “We will not become complicit by staying quiet,” she wrote in an Insta Story. “This is an opportunity for change. We’ve been seeing this deterioration for far too long. Good or bad, Imran Khan has paved the path for change.”

For the unversed

The demonstrations in question, which included sit-ins and clashes with the police, have so far resulted in the arrest of numerous PTI workers. The situation has enraged PTI supporters, and it is being alleged that in response they have set fire to vehicles, including waterboard trucks and a prison van. The police have utilized baton charges, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse the crowd, leading to injuries to both protesters and law enforcement personnel. Demonstrators are demanding the immediate release of Imran Khan, with some resorting to blocking roads and burning tires. Meanwhile, mobile internet has been shut down indefinitely while Twitter and YouTube cease to work.

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