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After Nadia Jamil, other Pakistani celebs open up about experiencing sexual abuse

After the horrific Kasur incident, where eight-year-old Zainab was found in a heap of trash raped and murdered, many Pakistani celebs came forward to voice their anguish over the matter.

Famed actor Nadia Jamil was one of the first ones to express her despair and call for justice on the terrifying incident. In doing so, she opened up about her own dreadful episodes of sexual abuse.

“I was four the first timeI was abused sexually,” wrote Jamil on Twitter. “I was in college when it blew out of proportion. People tell me not to talk to respect my family’s honour. Is my family’s honour packed in my body? I am a proud, strong, loving survivor. No shame on me or my kids. Only pride for being me.”

Now, after Jamil, other renowned personalities have been coming forth with their horrendous experience. Fashion choreographer, Frieha Altaf also took to Twitter and shared her ordeal. “I was sexually abused by our cook at age six,” wrote the former supermodel.

“My parents took action but everyone remained silent as if it was my shame. At 34, I realised how it had impacted my life. The only shame is keeping SILENT.”

Not only Altaf, but fashion designer Maheen Khan also had something to add. “The Maulvi who came to teach me the Quran abused me sexually. I froze in fear day after day. Share in support of children subjected to the sick acts… by so called custodians of our religion.”

Senator Sherry Rehman lent her support to the afore-mentioned ladies. “Heart dents every time I hear of abuse. It’s very brave of you @FriehaAltaf and @NJLahori to be speaking out, giving courage and support to other victims,” she posted. “The shame is not yours, it is our society’s, that you had to suffer in silence. Kudos for speaking out #NoMoreChildAbuse.”

Famed TV anchor and actor Sana Bucha also came forth, while gathering courage to speak about her own experience. “So immensely proud of you @FriehaAltaf Abuse is never easy to speak about. I haven’t had the courage yet to speak about mine. Kudos!” wrote Bucha.

Journalist Fifi Haroon urged parents to listen to their kids. “Sexual abuse can occur in families even and crosses class barriers,” she wrote. “Victims/survivors have been silenced too long – shame should be the perpetrator’s. Listen to your kids, watch them and notice behaviour changes that could tell of a deeper discomfort.”

Actor Ushna Shah added, “Thank you brave woman. Mustering up the courage to speak about mine now. This helps! Also, so sorry you went through that.”The Behadd actor lauded Altaf for her brave disclosure. “Love you, you incredibly tough, beautiful and talented woman! Feel proud to have survived it, moved on and learned no one will respect by body or me, if I don’t. New respect for speaking out and giving others the courage to speak out and know that they are not alone. These kids CAN/WILL heal,” she wrote.

The Express Tribune

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