It's a scripted show: Sara Neelum apologises to overseas Pakistanis for ‘joke’

Model took to social media to address the entire ordeal

In response to the controversy surrounding her remarks on the popular show Mazaaq Raat, model Sara Neelum has released a video apologising for the offence caused to overseas Pakistanis. In the video, Neelum addressed her brothers and their families living abroad and expressed her deep regret for the hurt caused by her comments.

Neelum clarified that her appearance on Mazaaq Raat was part of a scripted show and that she was instructed not to take anything seriously if it seemed offensive. She emphasised that the entire segment was meant to be lighthearted and filled with jokes. However, she acknowledged that she did not anticipate the extent to which her words would hurt and offend overseas Pakistanis.

In the newly uploaded video, Neelum stated, "I am making this video to clarify a few things. It is for my brothers and their families who live overseas. I did Mazaaq Raat a while ago. Two days ago, a video clip went viral, which hurt my overseas brothers. This was not my intention at all. I did not mean to hurt you at all. You all criticised me but did not try to find the reason behind it at all.”

Neelum further said, “You all know that Mazaaq Raat is a scripted show. I was also told that if you feel offended, it will be a joke, don't be serious. From the beginning till the end of the video, we're all joking around. But I did not think what I said would hurt you all this much. You've all been hurt by me; I am deeply apologetic for it."

She continued on to say, "You did everything, but do you know how impacted I am after seeing the comments and everything else? How depressed I've been mentally? I come from a decent household - did you not think how this would be an issue for me? More than half of my relatives have settled abroad."

After an awkward cut in the video, she continued to state, "Even God forgives small mistakes - you are human. Can you not forgive? I once again ask for forgiveness - you have been saddened and hurt because of me. I'm really, really sorry. Please forgive me. And I hope that you will forgive me because you all are big-hearted."

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sara Neelum (@sarahneelum)

This apology followed a recent incident on Mazaaq Raat where offensive comments were made, prompting host Vasay Chaudhry to express remorse on behalf of his entire team. The controversy arose when Neelum suggested that overseas Pakistanis dress well in Pakistan but engage in menial tasks, such as cleaning toilets, while abroad. The situation was further exacerbated by a comedian on the show attempting to add humour by implying that these individuals flaunt PKR5000 notes to seem sharp.

The offensive clip quickly gained traction on social media, leading to widespread condemnation of the remarks and highlighting the invaluable contributions of overseas Pakistanis to the country's economy and society. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Chaudhry took to Twitter to personally apologise to overseas Pakistanis, expressing his regret for the foolish and offensive comments made on the show. He conveyed the love and respect his team has for overseas Pakistanis, despite the strained sentiments caused by the incident.

Chaudhry also announced that a formal apology would be aired during an upcoming episode of Mazaaq Raat, demonstrating their commitment to rectifying the situation and addressing the hurt caused by the offensive remarks. The specific details of the apology have not been disclosed, but Chaudhry assured the overseas Pakistani community that mistakes are made by one's own people and expressed his genuine affection for them.

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