KARACHI: We can all agree that Shahzeb Khanzada is arguably the best thing to have happened to our news channels. He’s one of the only journalists who knows how to conduct his interviews and always asks all the right questions. However, he’s also one of the few men who aren’t afraid of showing their sensitivity towards women and the issues that concern them.
Here are some instances in which he proved that he’s the perfect feminist ally:
When he schooled KP advisor on education Ziaullah Bangash for forcefully making young schoolgirls wear the abaya
People reacted rather strongly when this news first broke out: Girls from government schools in KP were being ordered by the government to cover themselves in order to protect themselves from sexual harassment or assault. Khanzada was quick to point out that young boys are often sexually abused just as much; therefore what were they supposed to wear to protect themselves?
When he conducted Meesha Shafi’s interview with utmost respect and sensitivity
Khanzada was perhaps the best person for the job because he’s capable of treating a victim like a victim, instead of attacking them. This doesn’t mean Khanzada didn’t ask Shafi hard-hitting questions. He remained calm, gave Shafi ample time to answer and also went as far ahead as to first take her permission before running a clip of Ali Zafar for her, in case it triggered her or made her feel uncomfortable.
Read: Why women hesitate taking sexual harassment cases to court
When he stressed that the word ‘woman’ should not be used as an insult.
The video was in response to General Pervez Musharraf calling Bilawal Bhutto Zardari a woman. “Tell him to first be a man and then speak,” were Musharraf’s words but Khanzada made sure to point that this is unacceptable.
When he spoke up against the criticism around Mehwish Hayat’s Tamgha-e-Imtiaz
Mehwish Hayat was faced with a lot of criticism for winning the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, with many people questioning her character and integrity as well. Khanzada immediately pointed out how she was being called inappropriate names, and literally listed down all the ways in which Mehwish Hayat has contributed to Pakistan’s film industry. Among other things, he pointed out that all her films have been big hits, such as Punjab Nai Jaungi, Jawani Phir Nai Aani and Load Wedding.
Read: Celebrities rally in support of Mehwish Hayat receiving Tamgha-e-Imtiaz
How does she do it and can we pull it off?
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