A recent incident at a tuck shop in the Garden Town area of Lahore has captured public attention, as a video surfaced showing a group of girls physically assaulting a boy working at the shop. The video, which quickly went viral, also showed an elderly customer intervening and attempting to stop the girls, only to be verbally abused by them.
Pakistani actress Maryam Nafees addressed the incident on her Instagram account, providing additional context and details. In her video message, Maryam sought to clarify the situation and defend the actions of the girls involved, one of whom is a close friend of hers.
Maryam began by acknowledging the public’s confusion and concern over the incident. “Everyone is thinking that these girls started beating this boy without any reason. I know these girls very well, and one of them is my very good friend,” she explained. Maryam initially chose to remain silent, hoping that the public would seek to understand the other side of the story. However, seeing the backlash and threats the girls were receiving, she felt compelled to speak out.
“The girls are being threatened with rape and murder, so I thought I should talk about it,” she stated. Maryam proceeded to recount the events that led to the altercation. According to her, the girls visited the tuck shop at night to have tea and purchase some items. The boy at the shop allegedly began making inappropriate comments about their appearance and character, prompted by their bold attire.
“The girls first told the boy to be quiet, but when he didn’t stop, they started hitting the boy as a last resort,” Maryam said. She emphasized that the girls felt they had no other option but to defend themselves against the boy’s persistent harassment. The situation escalated when the boy continued to make derogatory remarks about their size, character, clothes, and body parts.
Maryam criticized the public for misinterpreting the incident and placing the blame solely on the girls. She highlighted the importance of understanding the context and recognizing the girls’ right to defend themselves against harassment. “The store worker beat the boy for harassing the girls because the boy was constantly making comments about their size, character, clothes, and organs,” she explained.
The actress’s message sparked a broader conversation about harassment and self-defense, with many social media users expressing support for the girls and condemning the harassment they faced. Others, however, questioned the use of physical violence and called for a more measured response to such incidents.
This incident underscores the ongoing issue of harassment and the challenges women face in public spaces. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and education on how to handle such situations without resorting to violence. The public’s reaction to Maryam’s message indicates a growing recognition of the importance of addressing harassment and supporting victims.
The incident at the Garden Town tuck shop has brought attention to the complex issues of harassment and self-defense. Maryam Nafees’s defense of the girls involved has provided crucial context and sparked a necessary conversation about the rights of individuals to protect themselves against inappropriate behavior. As the debate continues, it is essential to promote understanding, empathy, and effective measures to prevent and address harassment in all its forms.
