Veteran pop singer Zoheb Hassan has called upon the government to posthumously confer the Sitara-e-Imtiaz on the late actress Humaira Asghar Ali.
In a statement shared on social media, the singer expressed sorrow over Humaira’s demise and said such a national honour would not only acknowledge her contributions to the entertainment industry but also serve as a powerful reminder of the hardships faced by women working in the public sphere.
“This award will make Humaira’s struggle more prominent,” Mr Hassan wrote. “It will also send a message to her family—and many others—that the journey she undertook was not in vain.”
Humaira Asghar Ali, a television and stage actress, passed away under distressing circumstances last week. Her death, reportedly after months of isolation and illness, has raised questions about the lack of institutional support for women in the media industry, especially those who live alone or without close family ties.
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Social media users and members of the artistic community have criticized both the entertainment fraternity and her family for failing to check on her well-being over an extended period. It was only after mounting public pressure that her brother arrived in Karachi to collect her body for burial.
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Humaira is said to have awaited her final rites for nearly 8 to 10 months—a claim that has yet to be officially corroborated. While the final post-mortem report is still pending, preliminary findings suggest no bones in her body were broken.
Earlier, Mr Hassan had also posted a message on Instagram demanding greater protection for women living alone in Pakistan. In his latest post, he paid tribute not only to Humaira but to all women who pursue careers in entertainment despite social 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 wrote.
The Sitara-e-Imtiaz is Pakistan’s fourth-highest civilian honour, awarded to individuals in recognition of their exceptional service to the country. Mr Hassan’s demand, while emotional, highlights a recurring concern about the mental health and security of those in the entertainment industry—especially women without family support systems.
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