Praying for injustice to end: Shae speaks up against Faisalabad attacks amidst criticism for silence

Ahmed Ali Butt, Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui join the singer in voicing their concerns against the attacks

In the age of rapid information dissemination, social media platforms often become the battleground for discussions on pressing social issues. Recently, the spotlight turned towards singer Shae Gill, who was yet to share a response regarding the tragic Faisalabad attacks on the Christian community. 

This drew significant criticism from netizens. Responding to the mounting pressure, Shae has since taken to her Instagram to share her perspective on the attacks, shedding light on her feelings and advocating for change. "I found out about the hate crimes happening in Faisalabad this afternoon," wrote Shae. "I didn't know what to say. Hate crimes against minorities happen frequently and so many of them are instigated by false accusations. It hurts and it leaves you speechless, quite literally." 

The Pasoori singer further shared,  "I'm praying for this injustice to end. The only real solution at the end of the day is to educate the masses. People like you and me understand that this is wrong, but the masses don't. Educate the people you come in contact with as much as you can. Change doesn't happen overnight, but it has to start somewhere."

The musician also thanked all those who stepped in to defend her amidst an onslaught of attacks. "Also, thank you to my friends for always understanding me and defending me. I love you all so much," penned the singer on her Instagram Story. This statement comes after many fans of the vocalist took to her recent black-and-white Instagram post to object to the fact that she was yet to speak up against the horrid attacks on the Christian community. 

"Nine hours ago you have posted this picture. Don't you even know what has happened to innocent people in Jaranwala? Because of their faith, they have suffered. People know about you and you are a public figure, you should have added something towards your religion at least - a few sad words that reflect your empathetic heart," commented one Instagram user. "So sad to see that you could be using your platform to spread awareness for what is happening to Christians in Pakistan right now, but you're not," said another. 

However, there were those who stepped in to defend the singer as well. "A reminder for everyone that she is not an activist but a singer. This incident is heinous and barbaric. But you can't expect her to fix all our problems," said one user of the picture-sharing app. "People honestly need to be a bit more sensitive towards artists and people in general. I think I can speak for the Christian community when I say that all of us are shaken by the Jaranwala incident. Our choice to give a political statement or not give one is just that - our choice," reiterated another. 

Continuing further, the comment read, "It's not easy being in the public eye and making political statements, especially on something as sensitive as religion. Just one thing you say that the masses don't like and you have a target on your back (now multiply it by ten if you're a minority). That said, most minorities in Pakistan always skirt around the topic of religion in fear of their words being misconstrued. Has anyone ever really thought that she too is one of us and no matter the fame, there are always certain things you aren't comfortable talking about? This is a time for all Pakistanis to be united and work towards a more tolerant and peaceful Pakistan rather than spread more hate. Peace."

Adding their voices to the cause, actors Ahmed Ali Butt and Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui have also shared their perspectives on the attacks. In what law or religion does it say to destroy one's place of worship? What happened in Jaranwala is pathetic and shocking and above all, non-Islamic. Tolerance and respect for others is the basic truth our religion teaches us. Those involved in the destruction of the church should be brought to justice," penned Ahmed on his Instagram Story. Zara wrote, "I am so sorry that the Christian community had to go through something so horrible in a Pakistan that Jinnah made. We are ashamed. Because neither is this Jinnah's Pakistan now, nor a compassionate state."

I am so sorry that the Christian community had to go through something so horrible in a Pakistan that Jinnah made. We are ashamed. Because neither this is Jinnah’s Pakistan now, nor a compassionate state. https://t.co/wgVbGLrHLZ

— Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui (@ZaraNoorAbbas) August 16, 2023

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