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29 March 2024

Veena Malik and husband Asad fight back 26 years jail term

Pakistani actress Veena Malik with businessman husband Assad Bashir Khattak in Dubai on December 25. (Twitter)

Published
By Ajanta Paul

Pakistani actress Veena Malik and her husband Asad Bashir Khan Khattak saw a wave of support coming to them from media and fans after they were sentenced to 26 years in prison by an anti-terrorism court for allegedly airing a blasphemous programme.

When speaking to Emirates 24|7 Veena maintained that they are innocent and the verdict holds no substance. "We are just victims in this media war going on between Geo TV and other channels."

Now the couple has filed an appeal on Monday against the harsh sentence of alleged profanity.

Veena said, "We are going to fight our case in higher court and inshallah (God willing) everything will be alright. We strongly believe in the law of the land and there's no substance in the case".

The actress also thanked the media for their support in her fight for justice.

Incidentally, Veena is also getting help from Amnesty International and Human Rights and is quite hopeful that they will get justice in their country.

The entire controversy erupted when Veena visited Pakistan after her wedding and was part of a morning show with husband Asad.

In May, Geo TV showed the couple dancing in a mock marriage while a group of Sufi musicians sang a devotional song.

Veena points out, "The song has been played on various other channels and we were there in a very respectful manner and there was nothing to create the whole hype. We are being dragged in this controversy.

"I was not even present in Pakistan when the judgment was passed. I have just delivered a baby and all parties were informed that I will visit Pakistan but still the verdict was passed. But I am sure justice will be done.

""If you see the reaction of the people and circumstances you will know that things are being fabricated and created out of nothing. My lawyers are taking care of things."

The court has ordered them to pay a fine of Rs1.3 million (Dh47,700), sell their properties and surrender their passports.

Despite the court orders, Veena remains hopeful and plans to visit Pakistan soon.

"At the moment I can't travel because I have just delivered a baby through C-section, I had to take rest and once I am fully recovered I will surely travel to

Pakistan. Even before the verdict came I told my lawyer that I had plans to visit in December, and I will stick to my plan."