Pakistani actress Ushna Shah has sparked an online debate over what she calls society’s misplaced priorities following the rape and murder of young Mantaha Zahra.
In a series of Instagram Stories, Ushna expressed frustration that entertainment controversies receive more attention than violence against children. She said cases involving minor girls fail to trigger the same level of public outrage.
Referring to reactions to a recent podcast featuring dancer Nisha Ali Khan, Ushna noted that an adult woman’s personal choices sparked more criticism than crimes against children. She said this reflects the “values” society continues to promote.
Ending her message in Urdu, she wrote, “Jab qaum hee beemar hai toh baar baar condemn kis cheez ko karein?” questioning the impact of repeated condemnations without real change.
In another post, Ushna mourned Mantaha Zahra and said Pakistan had failed her, as it had failed many victims before. She warned that violence against women and children is becoming a growing crisis.
She also questioned why discussions on child protection, women’s safety, and justice are often ignored. Meanwhile, social media remains consumed by trivial controversies.
Criticising victim-blaming, Ushna said society often holds victims responsible instead of perpetrators. She stressed that real change requires families, communities, and institutions to take responsibility.
The actress added that boys must be raised with accountability and respect from an early age. Without confronting deeper issues, she warned, the cycle of violence will continue.
