Young actress Mariyam Nafees has stepped in to defend the girls involved in assaulting a salesman in Lahore.
Mariyam Nafees, known for her work in the drama industry, disclosed that the girls captured on CCTV assaulting a young salesman are familiar to her. After the incident gained attention, she revealed her connection, explaining her initial silence. “I know these girls well; one is even a close friend,” Maryam commented, expressing her disappointment that the public didn’t see the situation differently.
Following the incident, the girls reportedly received threats, including threats of murder and rape, prompting Maryam to address the matter publicly. She clarified that the assault occurred after the salesman made derogatory comments about their attire and body, which escalated to him hurling offensive insults.
Mariyam reported that the girls had asked the salesman to refrain from making such comments, but instead, he asked them to leave the store. This led to bystanders recording the altercation. Due to their Western attire, the girls faced criticism from those who viewed the video. Maryam highlighted that one of the girls had travelled to Lahore from another city for employment purposes.
She stressed the societal challenge in Pakistan, where both genders often demand evidence of harassment. Maryam has urged the store owner to release the audio recording of the incident on social media to provide a clearer understanding of the events.
The altercation became widely known after a video from the store in Lahore went viral, showing the girls initially arguing and then assaulting the salesman. They also confronted an elderly man who tried to intervene before heading to the police station.