Actor Hamza Ali Abbasi, whose disdain for item songs is a well-know fact, has again expressed his disapproval and remorse over use of such songs in Pakistani movies. In a post on his social media account he wrote at length on this topic. “It’s heart breaking and disappointing to see some brilliant Pakistani film makers still using item numbers to sell their films,” he expressed remorse. “How can the censor board allow such filth to run in cinemas and how can the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority allow this to be run on channels?” he questioned. He pointed out towards the disaster our film industry could head as a consequence of this trend. “Pakistani artists finally managed to get enough respect in the society that now young educated boys and girls from good families are coming into this field, please don’t spoil this hard earned respect by putting on a flesh show and calling it glamour!” he said. Hamza Ali Abbasi said item numbers presented women as an object to be showcased to promote products. “Item songs degrade women and objectify them, which goes against the essence of women’s empowerment and women’s rights, our religion and our norms,” he said. Back in 2015, a year many recall as the year of rebirth of Pakistani cinema, Hamza first expressed his dislike for the trend and compared such songs with mujras. “There is no difference between such songs and the mujras of Punjabi theatre,” Hamza said in an interview. After the release of locally produced ‘Jalaibee’, Hamza lauded actress Zhalay Sarhadi for not showing off her skin in one song dubbed by many as the item song of the movie. Published in Daily Times, July 30th , 2017.