Pakistan’s social media users reacted strongly on Monday after Islamabad-based journalist Ansar Abbasi objected to the telecast of an exercise routine in a morning show on the state-run Pakistan Television (PTV).
Senior journalist Abbasi posted a video on his Twitter profile that showed a woman exercising alongside a man in a morning show aired by PTV. The male trainer was instructing the woman in the video. The journalist wrote: “Mr PM @ImranKhanPTI this is PTV. @AsimSBajwa @shiblifaraz.”
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Abbasi tagged the government officials over the apparent lack of moral standards in the media, insinuating that such shows violate decency and the standards set for men and women as per Islamic rules. Abbasi is well-known for his conservative commentary on social media.
Mr PM @ImranKhanPTI this is PTV. @AsimSBajwa @shiblifaraz pic.twitter.com/hpoTxEF4TJ
— Ansar Abbasi (@AnsarAAbbasi) September 21, 2020
Abbasi works up a social media storm
The tweet set off an interesting debate on the social networking platform. Some internet users disapproved of his comments while others supported him. A few also discussed the implications of airing the content on national television.
Ansaar Abbassi is quite right and what you are saying, its also right and both things need to be stopped and banned in Islamic State.
انصار عباسی بالکل ٹھیک ہیں اور آپ جو کہہ رہی ، وہ بھی ٹھیک ہے دونوں چیزوں کو دولت اسلامیہ میں روکنے اور اس پر پابندی لگانے کی ضرورت ہے۔— Shah G (@SyedMoh72857921) September 22, 2020
Many people disagreed with Abbasi and asserted that there was nothing objectionable in the program since the show was aimed at making people learn exercises to stay fit and healthy. An internet user stated that such programs were beneficial for people who could not go to fitness centers for exercises amid busy schedules.
Abbasi replied to the Chaudhry and said: “You are part of a government which claims to be rebuilding Pakistan in line with the principles of Riyasat e Madina. Can you justify what you and your likes support in the light of the teachings of Quran and Sunnah or even the Constitution of Pakistan??”
You are part of a government which claims to be rebuilding Pakistan in line with the principles of Riyasat e Madina. Can you justify what you and your likes support in the light of the teachings of Quran and Sunnah or even the constitution of Pakistan?? https://t.co/EpP1wyn607
— Ansar Abbasi (@AnsarAAbbasi) September 22, 2020
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Abbasi also confronted another popular news anchor, Rabia Anum, on Twitter. Anum had written: “Yes IK please see that only the Woman is working out and the man is not, it’s unhealthy. They both should work out.”
If the entire world turns against me for opposing anything that is in-Islamic in our society, It will not bother me even for a moment. Instead I am thankful to my Allah for enabling me to do this and take pride on it Alhamdulillah. May Allah give Hidaya to all of us. Ameen https://t.co/BVodfxx5bL
— Ansar Abbasi (@AnsarAAbbasi) September 22, 2020
Abbasi, in his reply to Anum, commented: “I don’t want 2 respond to the troll. You have been doing Islamic shows &thus expect from u to enlighten ur followers about what Allah Almighty says in Quran. To be precise perhaps it’s Ayat 31 of Sura e Noor. Can v still justify promoting this on national TV of an Islamic country?”
Abbasi, in his remarks over the matter this morning, later said that he was not affected by the relentless trolling on social media and stood by the principles of Islam.
If the entire world turns against me for opposing anything that is in-Islamic in our society, It will not bother me even for a moment. Instead I am thankful to my Allah for enabling me to do this and take pride on it Alhamdulillah. May Allah give Hidaya to all of us. Ameen https://t.co/BVodfxx5bL
— Ansar Abbasi (@AnsarAAbbasi) September 22, 2020
“If the entire world turns against me for opposing anything that is un-Islamic in our society, It will not bother me even for a moment. Instead, I am thankful to my Allah for enabling me to do this and take pride in it Alhamdulillah. May Allah give Hidaya to all of us. Ameen” wrote Abbasi in a tweet.