New Delhi: Pakistan talk show host Tabish Hashmi publicly criticised the Pakistan Army last week over its actions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. On Saturday, he announced the end of his television show, Hasna Mana Hai, fuelling speculation on social media about the circumstances behind his departure.
Hashmi was among the first celebrity voices in Pakistan to condemn the brutality that has led to the death of at least 100 civilians in the region. In the one-minute video, he also spoke about the anxiety of speaking out in a country like Pakistan, saying he was prepared to face the consequences while calling for peace and dialogue.
His fear was not unfounded. In yet another instance of repression in the country, Hashmi Saturday announced the end of Hasna Mana Hai without elaborating on the reason behind the show’s end.
In an Instagram post, Hashmi brought the curtains down on the show after a five-year successful run.
“It was a pleasure being on National TV for almost 5 years. I’ve said my thank yous in person to everyone who contributed. To the audience of ‘Hasna Mana Hai’, I will never forget the love that you have shown. Thank you,” he had posted.
Hashmi’s announcement drew an outpouring of reactions on social media, with viewers praising his tenure on the programme and speculating about the circumstances surrounding his departure. As of Sunday, however, neither Hashmi nor Geo TV had offered an explanation for his exit.
‘Cost you pay in Pakistan’
Pakistanis are not surprised. They know, ‘This is the price you pay for speaking up’.
“Three days ago, Tabish Hashmi posted a video condemning violence against protesters during the Kashmir protests. Today, he announced that his show Hasna Mana Hai has come to an end. This is the cost you have to pay in Pakistan when you speak against oppression”, X user Abdullah posted.
Others pointed out that the actor had consistently chosen to speak out on different issues plaguing the country. In his show, he had also confronted the mayor of Karachi over the state of infrastructure in the country.
“Hi Tabish, just wanted to say ‘respects for you’ for not shying away from saying the truth on many instances. You have won many people! Your future is bright; in this era credibility matters the most, you have earned that more than many artists of Pakistan”, Instagram user Jibran added.
Former adviser to Imran Khan, Sayed Z Bukhari added on X that the move “only further exposes the insecurity & narrow-mindedness of those ruling Pakistan today.”
“A little thicker skin would go a long way”, he added.
Also read: Even Pakistanis are asking if this is how PoK should be governed
Debate over his exit
The debate on social media also gathered heat after some pointed out that Hashmi’s exit had nothing to do with his statements on Kashmir and was rather because he was set to co-host Pakistan Got Talent, another reality TV show.
During Hashmi’s tenure, Hasna Mana Hai became one of Pakistan’s prominent comedy talk shows, featuring conversations with politicians, entertainers, athletes and other public figures. Geo TV has not said whether the show will continue with a new host or announced plans for its future.
Along with him, several other Pakistani actors, television personalities and entertainers had voiced support for residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the unrest and killings, using social media to call for peace, accountability and restraint.
Actors including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Osman Khalid Butt, Minal Khan, Komal Meer, Nadia Afgan, Kinza Hashmi, Durefishan and Hina Afridi also shared messages expressing solidarity with the region’s residents.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)