‘Silent on tragedies at home:’ Netizens call out Pakistani actors for selective activism

Pakistani celebrities have faced backlash from netizens, who questioned their selective activism. Critics argued that while these actors often remain silent on terrorism incidents in Pakistan, they are quick to condemn the recent shooting in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), with many accusing them of trying to appease their Indian fan base.

A number of prominent figures from Pakistan's entertainment industry, many of whom have collaborated with Indian artists, expressed their sympathies for the victims of the gunmen's attack in Pahalgam, IIOJK, where 26 tourists were killed on Tuesday.

Celebrities such as Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir, both of whom have films scheduled for release, took to Instagram to denounce the incident.

Other stars like Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar, Farhan Saeed, Usama Khan, Mawra Hocane, Sabeen Farooq, and Zara Noor Abbas also voiced their condemnation, urging the importance of upholding humanity in the face of such violence.

While these celebrities did not err in condemning the violence in IIOJK, many social media users pointed out the inconsistency in their activism. Critics highlighted that the same figures had not expressed condolences or raised their voices against terrorist acts in their own country.

Several users on X criticised the silence of celebrities on incidents like the Jaffar Express tragedy in Balochistan and other attacks where innocent civilians were targeted by groups receiving support from abroad.

One X user commented, "Ayeza Khan seems to have no problem with the bombings in Karachi, the abduction of a train in Balochistan, or the situation in Palestine. Yet suddenly, she’s deeply saddened by an attack in IIOJK."

Another wrote, "Pakistani celebrities were silent on the tyranny against PTI workers and never spoke a word for Palestinian people, never spoke against terrorism in Pakistan, but they are very sad because of an attack in Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir. Why? Because they want to maintain their deals in India."

Yet another user criticised, "No matter whatever the situation is, pakistani celebrities are the most embarrassing & uneducated. Do any of you even understand what’s going on? All they care about is brand deals, pr. Always quick to cry about India, but completely silent about injustices in own country."