Pak media mogul rejects rape accusations

ISLAMABAD: Filmmaker Jamshed Mahmood, who in October came forward with the accusation that he was raped by a “media tycoon” 13 years ago, has named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dawn newspaper Hameed Haroon as his alleged rapist.

The director, popularly known as Jami, made the accusation in a tweet from a new Twitter account he created, allegedly due to his previous account being hacked. He also shared the accusation on his Facebook page.

In response, Haroon issued a statement categorically rejecting the rape accusations.

“The story is simply untrue and intentionally fabricated at the instance of those who wish to silence me and through me, to compel the newspaper that I represent to support their repressive narrative,” said Haroon, adding that he will initiate legal action.

“I am initiating legal action to clear my name and reputation, and to safeguard the freedom of the press by bringing to justice all those responsible for these false and malicious allegations against me,” said Haroon.

Later, Jami posted another tweet responding to the Dawn CEO’S statement.

He shared that he had feared “this entire plot that I’m part of Establishment to bring Dawn down” would be used against him.

The director clarified that coming forward with his story was not about “Dawn” vs Jami. It’s personal issue raised now (because) I’m doing all this for few years to help victims.”

He rejected the notion that he was acting on the behest of anyone, despite having been approached by some hoping “to bring down Dawn”.

“We refused every single time as I told them I’m from a family where we don’t use any illegal means to serve any purpose at all. Rest we will see in court. This is for victims and survivors. We put our neck out (because) #metoo died here in Pakistan (because) of all these dirty tricks.”

“I’m giving my word to Dawn management that I would never hurt Dawn ever [...] issue is sexual assault, not Dawn.”

Haroon’s statement said: “For some three months now, tweets in the social media and some print media, some of which have been authored or prompted by Jami Raza, have alleged that Jami was subjected to rape many years ago but was ‘coming out’ only now because the rapist was an ‘influential and powerful media personality.’ Hitherto fore, strangely the alleged rapist was never specifically named, even though hints and innuendos were dropped from time to time that could be taken as suggesting that it was the CEO of Dawn, Hameed Haroon.”