Veteran singer Zoheb Hassan has officially nominated late actress Humaira Asghar for the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz, expressing hope that the government will bestow this honor posthumously in recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Hassan’s appeal underscores the importance of acknowledging not only her artistic achievements but also the struggles faced by women working in Pakistan’s media sector.
In a heartfelt social media statement, Hassan mourned Humaira’s untimely demise and emphasized that conferring the award would serve as a powerful reminder of the hardships faced by women in the public eye. “This award will make Humaira’s struggle more prominent,” he wrote. “It will also send a message to her family—and many others—that the journey she undertook was not in vain.”
Hassan’s social media posts also called for increased protections for women in Pakistan’s entertainment sector. On Instagram, he expressed solidarity with all women pursuing careers in entertainment despite societal barriers. “Many women enter this industry some succeed, some fade away. But each of them makes a sacrifice. I salute all those who dare to dream and live freely in a male-dominated society,” he stated.
Humaira’s funeral rites reportedly remained pending for nearly 8 to 10 months, raising questions about the support systems available for women facing mental health and security challenges. While the final post-mortem report is yet to be released, preliminary findings indicate no bones were broken in her body.
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The Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s fourth-highest civilian award, recognizes individuals for their exceptional service to the nation.
Hassan’s emotional appeal highlights ongoing concerns about the well-being of women in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the need for greater institutional safeguards and social support networks.
