Celebrities come out in support of Mehwish Hayat after misleading article by news website

Pakistani celebrities, journalists and social media users are sending messages of support and admiration to “Punjab Nahi Jaungi” actress Mehwish Hayat after an online news report questioned her eligibility to get Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, the fourth-highest decoration given to any civilian in Pakistan based on their achievements.

The report by a local news website was carried and shared with a totally misleading social media post by another website and invited not only the actress’s criticism but a number of her fellow actors, actresses and other celebrities.

“This is libelous and defamation. Withdraw this article and post a written apology else legal action will be taken against this,” Mehwish Hayat warned the news site which shared the said article.

The misleading way in which the article was shared was soon condemned by other celebrities who also started sending messages of support to the “Dil Lagi” actress.

“Very shameful comments …what kind of journalism is this …#support @MehwishHayat,” wrote actor and Salam Zindagi host Faysal Qureshi.

“Congrats Buddy , its really sad how certain portals have stooped down to the level of defaming you. Your contribution to cinema 2013-18 is a big punch in their face. Enjoy your success 2019 is yours,” said television actor Azfar Rehman.

@MehwishHayat Congrats Buddy , its really sad how certain portals have stooped down to the level of defaming you. Your contribution to cinema 2013-18 is a big punch in their face. Enjoy your success 2019 is yours.

— Azfår Rehmån (@OfficialyAzfar) March 15, 2019

“Congratulations, Mehwish – your work speaks for itself. That someone would defame your character for the sake of retweets and gossip is absolutely disgusting,” ‘Goya’ actor Osman Khalid Butt wrote in his message.

ARY News journalist Maria Memon too was shocked by the misleading news report and how it was carried by another website.

“So basically being the lead heroine of half a dozen highest grossing movies isnt good enough? A woman has to keep on justifying her accomplishments/rewards,” lamented Ms Memon.

“Shameless character assassination!,” added Maria Memon.

ARY News anchor and host of the most popular raid show “Sar-e-Aam” Iqrar-ul-Hassan condemned the misleading report in strong words and asked who deserves this honour if not Mehwish Hayat.

تنقید کرنے والے ذرا ایمانداری سے بتائیں کہ پاکستان فلم انڈسٹری کی بحالی کے لئے اور پچھلے چار پانچ برسوں میں کامیاب ہونے والی فلموں کے لئے اگر آپ کو کسی کو ایوارڈ دینا ہوتا تو وہ کون ہوتا ان کے علاوہ ؟

— Iqrar ul Hassan Syed (@iqrarulhassan) March 14, 2019

Thankyou Hero ! 😌🙏 https://t.co/1LuTeM4mPM

— MehwishHayat (@MehwishHayat) March 14, 2019

@MehwishHayat is one of the top actresses of the country. Mehwish your versatility & hard work is second to none. Don’t listen to the haters,you totally deserve the award!

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) March 15, 2019

The federal government on March 9 issued the list of 127 persons, including 18 foreigners, who will be conferred civil awards by President Dr Arif Alvi for excellence in various fields on Pakistan Day.

Prominent among those who will be conferred the civil awards are ARY News anchor Arshad Sharif, former Pakistan cricket team captain Wasim Akram, former fast bowler Waqar Younis, cricketer Yasir Shah, singers Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi and Sajjad Ali, film actors Babra Sharif, Reema Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Shabbir Jan, Iftikhar Thakur and newscaster Ishrat Fatima.