Twitterati slam government for appointing Ali Zafar as ambassador for education

The Federal government of Pakistan is being criticized for appointing singer-turned-actor Ali Zafar as the ambassador for Namal Knowledge City, a centre of academic excellence for the marginalized population residing in remote areas of the country.

The singer took to Twitter to announce the news. “Honoured to be nominated ambassador to the first & biggest knowledge city in Pakistan “Namal Knowledge City” envisioned by the honourable Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI designed by @tonyashai,”

However, the decision to appoint Ali Zafar as the ambassador has gathered a huge amount of criticism. The outrage comes as a result of alleged harassment claims against Ali Zafar.

Ali Zafar's "defamation" continues as the Govt continues to reward him for being an alleged harasser.

Deplorable move by the Prime Minister. PTI & IK have provided complete protection to Ali Zafar, at the expense of victims. This is not how civilised or decent govts behave. pic.twitter.com/mz33fEVu3T

— Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) October 26, 2020

Imran Khan making Ali Zafar the amb is meant to send out a signal. The PM of the country choosing to pick a person, who is the subject of harassment allegations and so much controversy over literally ANYONE else shows which side of the divide he wants to stand on.

— Meshal Malik (@MeshalMalikk) October 26, 2020

shehzad roy working for betterment of education and kids ✨ignored ✨

ali zafar with accusations of sexual harassment
✨ambassador✨ https://t.co/ofLnGaJKoR

— Samar Iqbal (@desertnightart) October 25, 2020

This right here, is one of the gazillion reasons why Pakistan is not safe for women. And the cesspool of toxic patriarchy will never relent. That’s why, Pakistan se zinda bhaag! https://t.co/PiZSEtEc86

— Faizan (@fizzyjam) October 26, 2020

Some Twitter users also criticized the decision because the singer does not have the background to be representing an academic center.

Welcome to Islamic Republic of Pakistan where world renowned economist Atif Mian cannot address university students and alleged harasser Ali Zafar who has no academic credentials to his name is appointed academic ambassador at a university whose Founding Chair is the current PM.

— Aimun (@bluemagicboxes) October 26, 2020

The same week in which Atif Mian's talk was cancelled. Says alot about the state of education in our country. https://t.co/eXwdqkWoDA

— Rabia (@damselindupatta) October 25, 2020

Ali Zafar has not responded to the criticism.

The post Twitterati slam government for appointing Ali Zafar as ambassador for education appeared first on The Current.