Actress Mariyam Nafees has come forward with a different perspective on the recent incident at a Lahore petrol pump, where a video showing girls allegedly assaulting a boy sparked widespread outrage. In her Instagram stories, Mariyam Nafees explained the circumstances that led to the confrontation, claiming that the actions of the girls were a response to harassment.
According to Mariyam Nafees, the incident occurred when the girls, dressed in Western attire, visited the petrol pump store late at night to grab tea and some items. She stated that the boy began making derogatory comments about their appearance and character, even going as far as calling them prostitutes and accusing them of being out at night for nefarious purposes.
Mariyam Nafees emphasized that the girls initially tried to handle the situation calmly by asking the boy to stop his derogatory remarks. However, when he persisted, they resorted to physical retaliation as a last resort. This led to a misunderstanding among onlookers and those viewing the incident online.
The actress further mentioned that the incident was filmed by an onlooker, which she claims added to the misrepresentation of the events. The video that went viral was initially believed to be from a CCTV camera but was recorded by a bystander.
View this post on Instagram
Mariyam Nafees also highlighted that the girls involved are not from influential families, countering any speculation about their social standing influencing the incident. She noted that one of the girls is not a resident but lives in Lahore for work purposes.
In her message, Mariyam Nafees raised a critical issue about the societal response to harassment, questioning what is expected from women when they face vulgar comments about their bodies or attire. She expressed frustration over the societal expectations and limitations imposed on women’s attire and behavior in public spaces in Lahore and broader Pakistan.
View this post on Instagram
The incident has led to a heated debate on social media, with users divided over the girls’ response to the harassment. While some demand legal action against the girls for assault, others support their right to defend themselves under such provocation.
This case has highlighted the ongoing issues of harassment, women’s safety, and public behavior in Pakistan, sparking discussions about the appropriate responses and measures to protect individuals from such experiences.
