Vasay Chaudhry, Omair Rana slam Punjab Govt spokesperson for making derogatory remarks against Shafaat Ali

A member of the Punjab government Usman Saeed Basra called Shafaat Ali a marasi (a derogatory term used to refer to artists) after the comedian prayed for PML-N President Mian Shehbaz Sharif’s – who recently tested positive for COVID-19 – good health. Basra’s Twitter bio says he is a spokesperson of the Punjab govt and Secretary Information PTI Punjab.

Basra’s derogatory remarks irked Vasay Chaudhry, Omair Rana and Ali Zafar, who slammed him for it and urged Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar to look into the matter.

Aur agar TARJUMAN app kay jaisa tu LANAT aisi tarjumani pay @iamshafaatali

— vasay chaudhry (@vasaych) June 12, 2020

@UsmanAKBuzdar SB. If such people are the spokesperson for your Govt then shouldnt the ministery of culture be renamed as ministry of Marasees with the appointed minister being the HEAD MARAASI ? …Shame on this Gentleman. https://t.co/hKqXnF4nq8

— vasay chaudhry (@vasaych) June 12, 2020

Vasay added that it is not just about one person but is about the entire entertainment fraternity.

Not at all Arshad sb and right now its NOT abt 1 person.Its abt a Derogatory remark towards my whole fraternity,legends that are no more,my seniors,my collegues,students studying media in Colleges..Basically everyone.
And that too from a Govt spokesperson,not just any Random guy.

— vasay chaudhry (@vasaych) June 12, 2020

I once corrected a lawyer/politician who came from a family of that vocation that my father is a businessman, making him the meerasi not me. For Meerasi means one who inherits something, esp line of work. I see your Mens Rea @usmansaeedbasra Pls explain your Intent or apologise. https://t.co/kBBNWzLXfA

— Omair Rana (@omairana) June 12, 2020

Before any debate starts here, let me point out that the word “Meerasi” means someone who has inherited something including an Art form in “Meeras” (Inheritence). Though this term is often used to contascend someone due to ignorance, for a public office holder to use it like this

— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) June 12, 2020

Fellow journalists and anchors also stood up for Ali.

.@usmansaeedbasra we will not take it from you. @iamshafaatali is a fellow colleague and comedy/acting is a respectable profession. Your comment is showing disgrace for the entire artist community. What if this community refuses to vote PTI next time ? pic.twitter.com/nzkqBYql7h

— Madiha Abid Ali (@MadihaAbidAli) June 12, 2020

Quite unfortunate, wasn't expecting this much low from someone bearing a Pol position.

— Ajmal Jami (@ajmaljami) June 12, 2020

The post Vasay Chaudhry, Omair Rana slam Punjab Govt spokesperson for making derogatory remarks against Shafaat Ali appeared first on The Current.