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Irked by Shehla Raza’s remarks, Fakhr-i-Alam resigns as chairman of censor board

Irked by Shehla Raza’s remarks, Fakhr-i-Alam resigns as chairman of censor board

He tendered his resignation to the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah yesterday
28 Jun, 2016

KARACHI: In a somewhat predictable outcome of a series of unfortunate events, rap singer and anchor of television programmes Fakhr-i-Alam stepped down as chairman of the Sindh Board of Film Censors on Monday evening. He tendered his resignation to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.

It all started after the distinguished qawwal Amjad Sabri’s gruesome murder on June 22. The killing shook the showbiz community, prompting them, led by Fakhr-i-Alam, to make a video in which they requested the government to provide them with the same security as government officials had. They said if that was not possible, the government should withdraw the security measures and staff that it had for its high-profile representatives. Basically, the argument was that the masses have been left to their own devices while those who are supposed to make the people’s lives safe have extraordinary protection.

The video went viral on social media and met with the public’s approval in general. Amjad Sabri was not just popular among music lovers but his amiable disposition had also endeared him to the artist fraternity. Therefore there was an air of purposeful seriousness to the message which struck a chord with showbiz followers.

But things took an unsavoury turn when Shehla Raza, deputy speaker of the Sindh Assembly, unleashed her anger on the protesters, saying that the protesters’ leader, Alam, was the grandson of General Rani, a friend of a former ruler of the country, General Yahya Khan. Her real name was Aqleem Akhtar.

Ms Raza’s statement was considered as one delivered in bad taste, particularly bearing in mind that it’s the political party that she belongs to, the PPP, which had appointed Alam as chairman of the Censor Board. Her remark did not go down well, as it should not, with Alam’s fellow artists.

Talking to Dawn, Adnan Shah Tipu, who can be seen in the video with Alam, said: “We expect civilised responses in a civilised society. If this statement had come from someone who had no education or someone with no background, it would have been understandable, but I’m amazed that a big political figure has given such an immature statement. Don’t they know how free the media has become? Do they think that such a below-the-belt remark could go unpardoned? These are the kind of people that represent us. My father suffered lashes for the Peoples Party. Still, we [artists] have no political agenda. It all began when someone very close to us [Sabri] died. She [Ms Raza] said that security is for those whom people are familiar with (jinhein loag jaante hain). I say people are familiar with artists more than politicians.”

Actor Javed Sheikh said: “One should not come to the level of making personal comments (zaatiat per nahin utarna chahyey). Unfortunately, mud-slinging happens in politics. If someone is asking for security, it’s his right. If you feel he is wrong, prove him thus then. I mean, there are vehicles with tinted glasses for those whom no one knows. One should try and resolve the issue rather than make personal comments.”

Actor Faysal Qureshi said: “Some people were of the view that Fakhr-i-Alam was working with the rulers (hukumat mein hai) so he should step down, he said okay, and he resigned. What we are trying to do is to seek safety and security for everyone — be it artists, journalists, doctors, engineers … every Pakistani. It is unfair that one person is seen protected by 400 policemen and for those who need protection, there aren’t even four policemen. It’s time VIP culture was done away with. Instead, what we get is strange remarks from politicians.”


Originally published in Dawn, June 28th, 2016

Comments

50 Shades of Khaki Jun 28, 2016 09:32am
Agreed. Fakhar is entitled to his opinion. There were civilized ways for Dr. Shehla to disagree with him
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Ahmed Jun 28, 2016 10:13am
I don't agree with Fakhr-i-Alam, all needs security its not just politicians or artists, every citizen has the right for it...since they are actors thats why they are acting like this....Its the responsibility of the government to provide security and maintain law and order....
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Abid Jun 28, 2016 10:19am
Why is this guy the center of attention. I swear given the chance it does not take long for opportunists to come out of the woodwork. The fact is that we have lost one of the biggest sufi stars of Pakistan. We do not want to be distracted by Fakhar, who frankly can roam around the streets of Pakistan absolutely freely, no body will recognize him and therefore he will remain unharmed.
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Naxalite Jun 28, 2016 10:42am
I condemn what Shehla said but Fakhr-e-Alam too failed us by approving the likes of Phantom.
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Nadeem Saleh Jun 28, 2016 10:53am
Security protocol accorded to Ms. Raza should be taken away for a day, and then we should ask for her reaction......................
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Someone Jun 28, 2016 11:14am
So what if his grandmother was General Rani? Did he choose to be born in that family? Did any of us choose to be born where we were? How does the said grandmother fit in the security thing Fakhr e Alam mentioned? That was a low blow. And if Ms. Raza is questioning the morals of a woman who's been dead for more than 10 years, really, that is unwise. Whatever General Rani was, at least she wasn't hiding it behind a fake veil or morality. At the outset, bringing in someone grandmother when he talked about security issues is a petty thing. Low blow and petty, Ms. Raza
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Rabia Jun 28, 2016 12:06pm
@Naxalite but there is no connection between the two. You can't say for example: Because someone is an alcoholic I'm going to condemn his taste in sofas
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Hussain Jun 28, 2016 12:31pm
Though appreciate the efforts for justice, I have personally seen Fakhr e alam enjoy VIP treatment at karachi airport and he seemed to be enjoying it as well. Be the change you want to see in the world
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Whistle_Blower Jun 28, 2016 12:33pm
@Ahmed Please read his complete statement. Actors need security was a juxtaposed with politicians, he said there should be security for actors also and for all citizens otherwise none for politicians..
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Qaiser Jun 28, 2016 01:26pm
There is no reason for the artists to be provided security as there is no threat to them. Fakhar alam is seeking cheap publicity. Killing of amjad sabri was due to his love and poetry of prophet a.s. and nothing to do as an artist.
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Rashid Jun 28, 2016 02:41pm
What are his credentials to classify as an artist and as a censor board chairman apart from his influential family credentials and closeness with the PPP regime. He worked in two super flop films Very Good Dunya Very Bad Log and No Paisa No Problem, and has few 'be-surray' songs on the name of rap music.
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Muhammad Qureshi Jun 28, 2016 06:10pm
My brother in law was shot just yesterday by some thugs attempting to rob him. Now one would say he should have let them have their way but due to the quickness and not knowing of the situation my brother in law kept driving. He was shot from behind and survived alhamdulilah......this is during the month of Ramadan....crimes have increased during this holy month...and im not sure where Fakre alam and his posy's point will be useful....There is NO hope for Karachi, NOTHING will ever change, ....NOTHING can happen...NO ONE can change it....its just not possible...face the facts people...wake up....unless and only unless when the common man rises!
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Ali Vazir Jun 28, 2016 06:47pm
First of all the comments by Fakhr are highly respectable as between the lines he is protesting at the big police and rangers protocol enjoyed by politicians who damn care about the life and property of common men, instead are being nurtured on nation's looted wealth. Secondly very rightly said by Adnan Tipu that the mud slinging by an educated person/politician like Shehla Raza are deplorable. Fakhr, we are with you, don't give it up.
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Ayub Jun 29, 2016 04:03am
Fakhar-i-Alam has endeared in the hearts and minds of people.
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Sana Jun 29, 2016 02:18pm
@Ahmed he asked security for everyone
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Adil Jul 01, 2016 10:15am
@Qaiser so sir, if you're done with the investigation, can we please have a look at the report too?
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Thoroughthinker Jul 01, 2016 08:39pm
I was surprised at the headstrong attitude of Shehla Raza. being educated, hailing from a respectable family, Deputy Speaker and a lady, she is supposed to present an examplary posture in every walk of life.
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