THIS refers to the controversy regarding Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy whose sister was sent a friend’s request on Facebook by a doctor. Harassment should be condemned at all forums.

However, Sharmeen in her tweet attributed this particular incident to ‘women’s harassment’. Some people have been backing the doctor, while others think otherwise.

If Sharmeen thinks herself a patriotic feminist and wants to improve and alleviate the plight of women in Pakistan, what is the point in portraying a poor image of Pakistan at forums that have neither any legal capacity nor any legitimate power over our country or populace?

Had she made a documentary on drone attacks by the US, poverty or hunger in Pakistan, would she still have won the award? The answer is no.

Women in Pakistan have more serious issues than ‘Facebook requests’ that need to be addressed at national platforms. Tweets and documentaries for gaining publicity neither serve women’s interests nor are they beneficial to the country.

Making a mountain out of a mole non-issue like a Facebook request is hogwash.

Syed Hamza Younas

Peshawar

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2017