Renowned Pakistani filmmaker and actor Sarmad Khoosat has publicly expressed his support for BBC journalist Muhammad Haneef’s powerful commentary following the arrest of YouTuber Hasan Iqbal Chishti. The journalist’s statement — “Every man has a Chishti inside him, harboring suspicion against women and doubting their independence” — has sparked widespread discussion across media platforms. Khoosat, known for his thought-provoking work on social issues, called the statement “unflinchingly honest and painfully accurate.

Muhammad Haneef’s report covered the arrest of Chishti, who was detained for releasing inflammatory videos targeting girls’ education. Haneef’s analysis went beyond the arrest to dissect the everyday gender biases quietly tolerated in society.

This bold remark has ignited widespread discussion on social media and beyond, with many praising Haneef for confronting a deeply rooted cultural mindset that often goes unchallenged. His statement was made in response to the arrest of Chishti, who had posted inflammatory content opposing girls’ education, sparking public outrage and prompting legal action by authorities in Punjab.

Sarmad Khoosat’s endorsement of Haneef’s stance has been met with widespread praise, especially among progressive circles and gender rights activists. Many view this moment as a rare alignment between media, art, and activism — a shared call for introspection and societal reform.

With voices like Haneef and Khoosat leading the charge, a long-overdue national reckoning with gender prejudice may finally be underway.

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