Many have stepped forward in support of Ayesha Omar following Nauman Ijaz’s attack on her during his show with presumptuous and uncomfortable questions, sharing her for speaking out about harassment.
There is no specific time limit for speaking about sexual harassment. In fact, many people are reluctant to share their experiences with sexual, harassment, either due to trauma, lack of support, or simply due to feeling uncomfortable.
The outrageousness of Ijaz’s comments towards Omar is mainly over the fact that Omar had spoken about being sexually harassed two years ago. However, the former believes that it was best to keep such experiences to yourself.
Fashion industry big fishes Frieha Altaf and Maheen Khan along with social media users have called Ijaz out online and said that he is using Omar just to “gain attention”.
Altaf had commented under an Instagram post about Ijaz’s behavior with Omar during the show. She wrote that most people in Pakistan believe a woman, a man or a transgender person should shut up about sexual harassment, rape, and domestic abuse.
“This is most of our society. Chup raho kuch na bolo. Abh kya zaroorat hai, ho gaya, bhool jao [stay quiet, don’t say anything. What’s the need for it now, it happened, forget about it].” Altaf also said that the narrative has to change and that a victim or survivor can speak “whenever they are ready”. “Noman is from the school of society that believes in ‘shut up, don’t speak’,” she said, praising Omar for her strength.
Sexual harassment is a serious issue. It is our Shame when we belittle someone who has the courage to speak up! @ayesha_m_omar #naumanejaz #neotv @Maheenkhanpk @fifiharoon pic.twitter.com/pKV7lmCfz0
— Frieha Altaf (@FriehaAltaf) April 12, 2022
Designer Khan retweeted Altaf’s comment, calling Ijaz a “disgrace to his family”. She also said that using Omar to “gain attention” is pathetic.
Mr Noman Ijaz is a disgrace to his family . To use @ayesha_m_omar just to gain attention which is pathetic. Ayesha he is not worth your time. You are a professional and behaved like https://t.co/0OTYZIaE9J are far above men of his ilk.#shameonNoman https://t.co/sHFfXsRLQb
— Maheen Khan (@Maheenkhanpk) April 13, 2022
Twittersphere calls out Nauman Ijaz
Twitteratis had a lot to say about Ijaz as well and wrote that the actor “gaslighting” Omar in the show was triggering to watch. One user wrote that the actor leaves no opportunity in shaming women who have the courage to come out with their tough stories and that there is “zero accountability” for celebrities like him.
Triggering to watch Nauman Ijaz gaslighting Ayesha Omar about her sexual harassment. This man leaves no opportunity in shaming women who have the courage to come out with their tough stories, yet there is zero accountability for celebrities like him.#naumanijaz #Pakistan
— Javeria K (@JavKhal) April 12, 2022
Another user said Ijaz’s previous statement about marital affairs was apparently okay but Omar speaking her truth is questionable for the actor.
apparently it was irrelevant for ayesha omar to have come out with her harassment story whereas totally in fashion for noman ejaz to publicly brag about his 101 extra marital affairs. wow.
— ruks. (@chandikiguriya) April 12, 2022
One user called him out for being “tone deaf” for saying that Omar should have let bygones be bygones.
#NaumanIjaz is doing a drama serial with a character that’s been sexually abused. Simultaneously, he’s interviewing an actress on his show who spoke out about harassment and is basically saying you should have let bygones be bygones. This is how tone deaf Pakistani men are.
— Iqra Khan (@iqrakhan259) April 13, 2022
Another just expressed her disappointment as a fan of Ijaz.
I watch a Nauman Ijaz drama. I fall in love. I force myself to forget every stupid thing he has ever said and done.
Nauman Ijaz: *Says the most misogynist and entitled shit to Ayesha Omar”
— nind arae hai (@mahamization) April 12, 2022
Time and time again Omar has made it clear how difficult it is for any victim of sexual harassment to revisit their trauma and talk about it, especially with everything that’s at stake.
Hosts, especially those in the entertainment industry, should be required to undergo sensitivity training before they are allowed to handle subjects that can be hurtful or triggering to their guests and viewers.
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