ISLAMABAD: Pakistani actor Ayeza Khan is facing criticism from fans and fellow celebrities for her silence on the ongoing violence in Gaza by the Israeli regime. Despite issuing an apology for her previous remarks, fans remain dissatisfied, asserting that her apology lacks a clear condemnation of the Israeli violence in Gaza.
While several celebrities from Pakistan’s showbiz industry, as well as Hollywood, have strongly condemned the Israeli aggression in Gaza, some have chosen to remain silent, including Ayeza Khan. Her recent expression of regret to fans, however, has not appeased the disapproval.
Ayeza Khan had previously defended her decision not to post about the Gaza assault in a now-deleted post on October 5. In the post, she asserted that while she understood the suffering of the Palestinian people, she believed daily prayer was a more potent tool than social media commentary.
This stance drew harsh criticism from some quarters, with detractors arguing that while prayer is essential, leveraging her substantial following on social media could help raise awareness about the dire situation in Gaza.
Ayeza Khan Apologizes to Fans
In response to the backlash, Ayeza Khan posted a second statement, acknowledging the criticism but refraining from clarifying or defending her initial remarks. She expressed regret, both personally and on behalf of her staff, assuring that a similar situation would not recur. Ayeza Khan conveyed her deep upset and feelings of helplessness, emphasizing her understanding of the pain felt by the people.
Despite the apology, fans remained unswayed, contending that Ayeza Khan’s statement still fell short of explicitly addressing the ongoing violence in Gaza. Fans expressed dissatisfaction with the actor’s choice to prioritize prayer over using her platform for awareness and action.