Sanam Saeed raises concern over inconsistency in boycott of Israeli products

Sanam Saeed, a Pakistani actress, called out Palestine supporters who continue to use boycotted international brands, questioning whether their actions back their ethics and principles.

In a social media post, Saeed urged her Instagram followers to reflect on their buying habits, asking how people can condemn Israel’s actions while still “endorsing and buying boycotted brands.”

She questioned how those brands have quietly “crept back” into everyday life, undermining the initial intent of the boycott.

“Some of the brands are even under public scrutiny for being unethical. Local replacements are what we were aiming for other brands,” she claimed.

The boycott movement in Pakistan gained momentum in 2023 after controversy erupted over Zara’s advertising campaign, which many felt resembled scenes from war-torn Gaza. 

A significant percentage of consumers had stopped using several multinational brands in solidarity with Palestine. Local brands, since then, positioned themselves as alternatives to previously popular international products.

Saeed’s Instagram post is an eye-opener about the role of consumer choices in ethical and political activism.