I have seen drivers in cars with young kids on their laps: Hina Bayat talks child abuse

Star shared a harrowing incident

In a poignant move as part of a Poetry of Resistance campaign, esteemed star Hina Bayat took to Instagram, sharing a compelling video in two parts. Accompanied by a caption reflecting on the lessons humanity has yet to learn, Bayat shed light on the power of timeless poetry to discuss contemporary challenges.

Captioning the video, "So much still to learn, from lessons we did not learn from!" she went on to share the poem alongside. Bayat began by drawing attention to the profound insights of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the revered poet of the East, known for his visionary dreams of Pakistan and the unification of Muslims. She emphasised Iqbal's foresight in addressing the issues facing the Muslim world, particularly in 1936 when his work Zarb-e-Kaleem was published, featuring a poem titled Daam-e-Tehzeeb.

Bayat reads Iqbal

"The way the world is today," began Bayat, "the heart aches and we think the world has changed. But, among our elders, are those who could see the situation at that time, and foresee future circumstances as well. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the poet of the East, who dreamt of Pakistan, who wanted Muslims to unite."

She continued, "This was his passion, his dedication, which, perhaps, we didn't understand. And the Muslim world is now at a point where we never should have been. In 1936, two years before his demise, Zarb-e-Kaleem was published, in which there is a poem called Daam-e-Tehzeeb, which I will present because understanding the same is of the utmost importance today."

Reciting verses from the poem, Bayat explored themes of humanity, oppression, and the complexities of navigating modern life. She underscored the relevance of Iqbal's words to the current global landscape, resonating with the challenges faced by the Muslim world. The verses echoed Iqbal's stance on Europe, portraying it as a defender of the oppressed, and touched upon the intricacies of cultural exchange and the need for a collective resolution to the ongoing struggles in Syria and Palestine.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hina Bayat (@hinakhwajabayatofficial)

In the second part, Bayat provided insightful commentary, decoding Iqbal's references and relating them to the present day. She praised Iqbal's passion for unity and reflected on the evolving dynamics of the Muslim world. The actor urged viewers to revisit historical wisdom, emphasising the critical importance of understanding and applying Iqbal's teachings in the contemporary context.

Bayat spoke about how the status of Europe as a 'buyer' could hold multiple meanings. She shed light on how Europe could be interpreted as the 'buyer' of the oppressed in the modern age, given that an exchange in the equation is present. Similarly, when talking about the 'peer-e-kaleesa'  or the leaders of the Church, Bayat shared that these leaders have succeeded in illuminating minds with modern science. However, the illumination stems from electricity, and may not find its origin from the illuminating path of faith.

The veteran star bemoaned how the Muslim faction seems to have been redirected. She reflected on how new forms of civility and civilisation were introduced to the modern world, after convincing Muslims under the Turks that they were slaves in need of liberation. Concluding her video, Bayat offered advice in the form of revising history to better our future.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hina Bayat (@hinakhwajabayatofficial)

On child abuse and safety

In another interview segment with a local network, Bayat addressed the sensitive issue of child abuse whilst in conversation with Madeha Naqvi. Drawing from personal experiences, she shed light on cases where children were exposed to potential harm in various scenarios. The actor called for increased awareness among parents regarding the safety of their children, particularly in situations involving domestic help and public spaces.

"I have seen drivers in cars with young kids on their laps," said Bayat. "It's wrong legally - you're driving a car, you can't have anyone in your lap. You also can't seat children in the front (on the passenger side.) You must put on their seat belt and seat them in the back. Secondly, I've also dealt with many cases where children have been abused. One sends their child with a maid for playtime in the park. I know parents can't be everywhere at all times, but some things are important."

She stated further, "Your child is leaving your home. Where is he for an hour, hour and a half? There have been so many rackets over this. Children have been abused, I have personally dealt with such a case, where the little girl was very badly abused. She was a toddler, she couldn't convey it. The maid and guard were in on it together. They would take her, for an hour and a half the girl was given to someone else, they made money, and the parents have no clue."

Taking about the guidelines highlighted by religion, Bayat shared, "I don't talk about religion as much, but our faith is a part of our lives. There are some rules in our religion. There are some boundaries of reverence. Within those are people like your brother, your father - all those with whom marriage is not permitted. But I remember when I was growing up, even cousins and uncles were not allowed to visit if our parents weren't home." She continued, "God has told you about this so that you may prevent it. God forbid, even if there is a one in a million chance, that opportunity should not be given."

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