ISLAMABAD: The internet is abuzz with reactions to a heated exchange between Sahil Adeem and a participant named Azba Abdullah on the Samaa Digital show Makalma with Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. The show, which invited Sahil Adeem and writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar to discuss women’s rights and human rights, has become the center of a social media storm due to Adeem’s controversial remarks about women in Pakistan.
The Controversial Statement
Sahil Adeem ignited outrage by claiming that 95% of women in Pakistan are ignorant. His exact words were, “You will find 25 men out of 100 illiterate, fifty men would be 50-50 [neither educated nor illiterate], and 25 would be educated. And if you take a sample of 100 women, 95 out of them will be ignorant not knowing anything. This is reality.” This statement was made in response to a question about mobilizing mosques for women’s rights, where Adeem suggested that women are only aware of dance, cooking, and makeup but lack awareness of Islam.
The Exchange with Azba Abdullah
During the Q&A session, Azba Abdullah, a participant in the show, demanded an apology from Sahil Adeem for his derogatory comments. Instead of apologizing, Adeem deflected by asking Azba the meaning of “Taghut,” a term referring to a sin in Islam. Azba reminded him that the topic was women’s rights, not Islamic sins.
Adeem persisted, claiming it was his duty in Islam to call an ignorant person ignorant, advising Azba to take a sample test to prove his point. He mockingly asked for forgiveness from God for what he perceived as his daughter’s (referring to Azba) ignorance, further aggravating the situation. Azba countered, accusing Adeem of changing the topic.
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Social Media Reactions
The clip from the show rapidly spread across social media, evoking mixed reactions from netizens. Some praised Azba for her courage to demand an apology, while others criticized her debating style, accusing her of ignorance. Many users condemned Sahil Adeem for his misogynistic remarks, demanding he apologize to the women of Pakistan.
Accusations of a Planted Stunt
Adding fuel to the fire, social media users have criticized Samaa TV, accusing the network of staging a controversial show for ratings. Screenshots of Azba Abdullah’s social media profiles reveal that she works as a journalist and content writer for Samaa TV, prompting accusations that her confrontation with Adeem was a planned stunt to gain fame.
The Call for Accountability
Netizens are calling for accountability from both Sahil Adeem and Samaa TV. Many believe that motivational speakers should choose their words carefully, especially when discussing sensitive topics like women’s rights. The demand for an apology from Adeem remains strong, with social media users rallying behind Azba Abdullah and other women who feel offended by his comments.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Sahil Adeem’s remarks on Makalma with Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar highlights the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Pakistan. It underscores the power of social media in holding public figures accountable for their words and actions. As the debate continues, the importance of respectful and informed discourse on sensitive issues becomes ever more apparent.
