Ayesha Omar comments on the term “silent pandemic” used to describe domestic abuse in Pakistan

Renowned Pakistani actor Ayesha Omar used her Instagram Story to highlight the serious problem of domestic abuse in Pakistan in a strong speech supporting women’s emancipation and unity. Omar posted a local news article that discussed the startling increase in domestic violence cases in the nation, referring to it as a “silent pandemic.”

Omar shared a local news post addressing the alarming rise of domestic abuse in the country

Using hashtags like “Domestic Abuse” and “Violence Against Women,” Omar emphasized the value of sharing survival stories, highlighting their part in giving women courage and strength, and motivating them to leave abusive relationships or get the support they need. The celebrity stated on her Instagram Story, “And that’s why we speak about our survival stories.” “To give strength and courage to other women to walk away or seek help.”

This was in response to a study conducted recently by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that revealed a significant increase in threats and physical attacks among spouses during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the alarming rise in domestic violence in Pakistan. The study, which examined the gendered effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Central and West Asia, included data from a survey carried out in Punjab and Sindh that showed a 40% increase in physical violence threats and a 46% increase in spouse physical assault instances.

Furthermore, the study disclosed alarming data indicating that a considerable proportion of women polled were aware of people in their communities who were being physically abused by their husbands (14%), being physically attacked (19%), and having their children abused by their parents (27%).

The report sought to shed light on the pandemic’s wide-ranging effects, highlighting public policy and investment actions and results, especially ADB projects across nine Central and West Asian nations. It emphasized how gender-specific data on COVID-19 cases and fatalities in the area are lacking.

The report called for a change in narrative, attributing the rise in violence against women and girls in Pakistan to economic challenges and pandemic-imposed limitations. It emphasized the necessity of inclusive policies for women seeking work in agriculture-focused fields, especially in nations like Tajikistan, Pakistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic.

has continued to be a vocal advocate for women’s rights and to speak out against harassment and other forms of abuse against women. Omar previously disclosed that she spent eight years in an abusive relationship and was on the verge of marriage to her partner.”I don’t want to talk about the relationship in detail because it took me so long to leave the person, as I always thought he would eventually change and become better or that I could fix him,” said the actor.

“Even after eight years of going back and forth, the relationship was full of physical abuse and so much verbal abuse, so I left,” said the actor. He also told me that he cursed at me to show me affection because he was such a big swearer. Sure, I swear occasionally when I’m with friends, but not in a way that would be seen as insulting to others.”

Additionally, Omar revealed that she continues to communicate with this partner, who is purportedly not Sikander Rizvi. We enjoy a friendly relationship, and I think of him as family. I hope he has found a solution to his problems because I know that any behavior that is considered “crazy” has a history of mental illness and/or early trauma. Regretfully, rather than dealing with the trauma, some people just let it out in an abusive or physical way,” she stated on the Fwhy Podcast.