Of stardom and politics: Who are these celebs voting for?

Local artists tell The Express Tribune about their political leaning.

KARACHI:

Along with hopefuls and the awaam, some celebs are excited about the upcoming elections. Some have been spotted at political rallies, with others endorsing siyasi adakars (no pun intended). Following this trend, The Express Tribune spoke to a few celebs and asked which politicians they are endorsing and why.

Abrarul Haq

The bhangra singer, who irked many with his songs on Billos and Parveens, reveals that he supports Khan “for the sake of change in the country.” Haq, who is PTI’s Secretary Foreign Affairs, had a hard time juggling adjectives for Khan in admiring him. “He [Khan] is an honest and truthful man who works hard and is really brave.”

Actor Zeba Bakhtiar, who some say joined the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), was unavailable for a comment on her political leanings. MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari clarified, however, that she had an “issue-based interest in the MQM, such as highlighting minority rights” but has not officially joined the party.

Folk singer Shazia Khushk’s husband, Professor Ebrahim Khushk, said on her behalf that she wishes the best for all parties. Previously, Shazia had sung songs in support of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Atiqa Odho

Between former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf and her husband Samar Ali Khan, actor-turned entrepreneur Atiqa Odho says the question of whom she supports is a “tough one”. “I am stuck between Musharraf sahib and Samar!” she exclaims, adding with a laugh, “If it comes down to choosing between PTI’s Arif Alvi and Musharraf in the elections, I think I’ll leave town!”

“I have an old loyalty towards Musharraf sahib,” she confesses, adding that she fears the courts will play a bigger role for him than the upcoming elections. “I feel he is very good for this country.” Atiqa was among the few thousand All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) supporters that rushed to the airport to give their leader a warm homecoming and even met him for lunch later to catch up. “He has done the right thing by returning,” she says. “I would hate to be supporting a coward!” She says Musharraf is brave for having returned to face the courts, and that he must fight for what he believes in. “Staying away was not easy for him — he loves Pakistan,” she says.

She describes Musharraf as a “thorough gentleman and a nice man”. “I’ve met a lot of people in my life, and have to say that he is among the few whose intent is clear. When I married Samar, he was one of the first to call and congratulate me and say ‘I hope you are happy’ — he is not a small and petty man. He has a big heart. He would stand up if any lady walks into a room — that is the sort of gentleman he is.” She wishes Musharraf and her husband the best of luck in their respective roles this election, and concludes by saying that personal choices should not affect political ones.

Salman Ahmad

Ex-Junoon member and guitarist, Salman Ahmad, who is also seen standing next to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) leader Imran Khan at most of his rallies, thinks that Khan is a godsend for Pakistan, implying that he’s the destined leader for Pakistan. “As a registered voter, I support Imran and the PTI. He has been touted by the international media and many surveys conducted as the most popular politician in Pakistan. Among world politicians and leaders, he is number three in terms of incorruptibility, opposition to drone warfare and his record of supporting rule of law, health, education and sports in Pakistan.”

Ahmad went on to drawing parallels between Imran with US President Barack Obama and says, “I have attended Obama’s election rallies and have also experienced the junoon [spirit] of Imran’s rallies — there is no comparison!” Ahmad believes that the unbridled passion of the Pakistani youth and women for Khan at the rallies reflect the making of a “naya Pakistan”.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2013.

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