Renowned pop singer Zoheb Hassan has appealed to the government to award the late actress Humaira Asghar Ali the Sitara-e-Imtiaz posthumously, recognizing her dedication and resilience in Pakistan’s male-dominated entertainment industry.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Hassan mourned Humaira’s passing and stressed that such an honor would highlight not only her artistic contributions but also the broader challenges faced by women who choose public careers.
“This award will make Humaira’s struggle more visible,” he wrote. “It will also reassure her family—and countless others—that her efforts were meaningful and not forgotten.”
Humaira Asghar Ali, known for her work in television and theatre, died recently under troubling circumstances. Her death, which reportedly followed months of illness and isolation, has sparked discussion about the absence of institutional support for women in the media—particularly those without close family ties.
Members of the artistic community and many on social media have criticized both her family and colleagues for not checking on her well-being for a prolonged period. Only after growing public pressure did her brother travel to Karachi to arrange her burial.
According to unconfirmed reports, Humaira may have waited 8 to 10 months for her final rites. While the complete post-mortem report is still awaited, early findings suggest no fractures were found on her body.
Previously, Hassan had used Instagram to call for stronger protections for women living alone in Pakistan. In his latest statement, he honored not just Humaira but all women who dare to work in the entertainment industry despite societal resistance.
“Some of these women succeed, others fade away—but all of them make sacrifices,” he wrote. “I salute every woman who chooses to dream and live freely in a male-centric society.”
The Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s fourth-highest civilian award, is given to individuals whose work has significantly contributed to the country. Hassan’s appeal underscores a larger issue: the need to better safeguard the mental health and safety of those working in entertainment, particularly women lacking family or community support.
