Daily Times

Actor Mehwish Hayat, known for her exceptional acting and social advocacy, was honoured with the Best Actress award for her outstanding performance in the film “London Nahi Jaunga” at the International Pakistan Prestige Awards (IPPA).

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the event, Mehwish used her moment in the spotlight to address a deeply troubling issue close to her heart.

In her acceptance speech, Mehwish focused on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the profound suffering taking place there.

She expressed the difficulty of celebrating in the midst of such a crisis, quoting Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s famous words: “Staying silent is as dangerous as speaking up.” Despite the risks of addressing these issues in her own country, she chose to speak out. She particularly emphasised the anguish of mothers losing their children, asserting that no child’s life should be considered disposable or collateral damage.

She passionately called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the vicious cycle of violence. Mehwish shared her acceptance speech on Instagram, where she not only celebrated her professional achievement but also used her platform to address important global issues. She reiterated her commitment to raising awareness about crucial social concerns, reflecting her advocacy work over the years. The actress’s speech offered an inspiring vision for a more compassionate world.

She urged people to open their hearts and see the humanity in one another, emphasising that peace becomes possible when we recognise our shared humanity, practice empathy, and understand one another.

Mehwish’s message concluded with a call to action, emphasising the need for compassion to triumph over hatred and the courage to overcome fear.

She encouraged individuals to use their voices to build a more just world characterised by love, peace, and humanity.

In a world often divided by conflict, her words remind us of the power of influential figures to be agents of positive change and unity.