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Actor Gohar Rasheed, known for his versatility and outspoken nature, has sparked a fresh round of public debate after sharing his views on Aurat March during a recent podcast appearance, taking particular issue with what he described as vulgar posters that appear at the annual women’s rights march. Rasheed drew a comparison between two things he sees as similarly problematic. He said that women should not be objectified, and in that spirit, item numbers in films should not exist because they reduce women to objects. He then extended that same logic to certain placards that appear at Aurat March, arguing that some posters cross a line into vulgarity and do not represent an appropriate way to communicate ideas or demands. He said the same points could be made in a more sophisticated manner without resorting to language or imagery that he found objectionable. The remarks touched on one of the most consistently contested topics in Pakistani public life. Aurat March, held annually on March 8 in major cities across Pakistan to mark International Women’s Day, has been a flashpoint for debate since its earliest editions. Supporters argue it is a necessary and long-overdue platform for women to voice demands around safety, equality and rights. Critics, including Rasheed, have frequently taken issue with specific posters that appear at the marches, arguing that certain slogans or images do not reflect the broader values of Pakistani society. The response online was immediate and divided, as it tends to be whenever the march becomes the subject of public commentary. Some users agreed with Rasheed. One person wrote: “He is right. Now Aurat Marchers will go against him,” anticipating the backlash while expressing support for the sentiment. Others pushed back sharply. One commenter wrote: “I wish he was this offended by violence against women and child rape,” arguing that the energy directed at posters would be better channelled toward the far graver issues women face daily. Another said: “Three men mansplaining what women should do or not do,” pointing to the irony of male voices deciding what is and is not an appropriate mode of feminist expression. The division in the comments reflects the genuine complexity of the debate. For those who support Aurat March unconditionally, the criticism of posters is a distraction from the march’s core purpose and represents the kind of policing of women’s expression that the march itself is pushing back against. For those who share Rasheed’s view, the concern is that certain forms of communication within the march alienate potential allies and hand critics easy ammunition to dismiss the broader cause. What is clear from the reaction is that this is a conversation Pakistan has not finished having, and that every public voice that enters it, whether from the entertainment industry or elsewhere, adds another layer to a debate that touches on deeply held values about gender, expression and what it means to advocate for change.

Veteran Pakistani actor and writer Muhammad Ahmed has opened up about an upsetting experience in which he says he was repeatedly humiliated by a younger male actor on a drama set. Speaking on Sheeba Khan’s podcast Dareecha, the seasoned artist became emotional as he recalled the incident, saying that some actors behave very differently behind the scenes than they do in public. Muhammad Ahmed began by reflecting on how private interactions often reveal a person’s true nature. He said, “Actors show their true colours in private meetings, as I have experienced multiple times. Most recently, I remained calm when I was bullied because I know everyone has mobile phones, and they can record and post videos online with captions like, ‘See the reality of Muhammad Ahmed.’” He then explained why the remarks hurt him deeply. “I know I am bald, tanned, and short. I know this reality and often make fun of it myself, but what if you are told this by an actor who is 40 years younger than you?” He added that the actor frequently tried to attract attention by making loud comments in front of others. Recalling one such moment, Muhammad Ahmed said the actor mocked him for carrying a leather bag. “He said, ‘Oh Muhammad Ahmad, you are carrying a leather bag with you, it’s pure leather.’ He was shouting in front of everyone so that people would notice him because he was doing the lead role.” He further claimed that the actor also referred to comments Muhammad Ahmed had made years earlier about his performance. “Then he again said, ‘This man, Muhammad Ahmed, rated my acting four or five years ago and judged my future on the basis of it, whether I would survive in the industry or not,’ which is true because I had told the producer that this guy is good, and yes, that drama became a hit.” According to Muhammad Ahmed, he later reunited with the same actor on another project. Although he had expressed concerns to the producer beforehand, he was assured that the actor had changed. However, he said the behaviour continued. He recalled the actor saying, “I don’t know why people cast Muhammad Ahmed. He acts the same and has the same hairstyle.” Describing another incident, Muhammad Ahmed said the actor took a handheld fan from a female co-star, held it over his head like a hairdryer and joked, “Look, I am making his hairstyle.” He said he chose not to respond because he did not want to lower himself to that level or create unnecessary conflict on set. The veteran actor admitted that the experience left him deeply hurt. “I was humiliated, I completed my work and came home. I thought, ‘Am I that weak that I should be humiliated by an actor who joined the industry only eight years ago?’” He added that he remained silent out of respect for the producers and the rest of the team. Muhammad Ahmed concluded by saying that maintaining his composure was a conscious decision. “I didn’t say anything because the producers were so respectful. I maintained my calm because of my team. Nowadays, no one takes a stand for anyone.” His candid remarks have sparked discussion on social media, with many viewers expressing support for the veteran actor and calling for greater respect and professionalism within the entertainment industry.