Actor Feroze Khan accused of domestic abuse by ex-wife, Pakistani stars react
After the mass criticism, Feroze Khan issued a statement denying all allegations
In a fresh development, Pakistani actor Feroze Khan's former spouse Aliza Sultan has submitted evidence alleging she was subjected to physical abuse between 2020 and 2022, according to Geo TV.
Several Pakistani celebrities have extended support to Aliza, demanding a ban on Feroze Khan.
Photographs of Sultan’s bruises and a medical report that she submitted to a Karachi family court surfaced online. Reportedly these were submitted against a custody case filed by Khan.
Singer Asim Azhar took to Instagram stories to extend support to Aliza and wrote, "Domestic violence is unacceptable. No if's and but's. No 'other side of the story'. Takes a lot of strength to speak up. Praying for Aliza and her family."
Similarly, Feroze Khan's co-star in the drama 'Habs' Ushna Shah condemned it and wrote, "I am still processing this and I am in a state of shock. Nothing can and will justify violence against a woman. My heart is with Alizah as well as Sultan, and Fatima."
Saboor Aly, another Pakistani actor who is also Sajal Aly's sister, wrote, "Walking out of toxic and abusive relationship is a very brave step. We should all teach our daughters to have zero tolerance for any kind of physical and mental abuse and never succumb to the societal pressure of staying in abusive and toxic marriages. As they say divorced daughters and sisters are better than dead ones! All my prayers are for Aliza and everyone who were and are the victim of domestic abuse. Don't stay quiet. Speak up and walk out."
"Ban wife beaters and cheaters from representing our industry! #BanFerozeKhan," wrote another renowned Pakistani actor Sarwat Gilani.
Others who condemned Feroze Khan's alleged actions are actor Junaid Khan, actor Humaira Ali, Feroze Khan's on-screen sibling from the drama 'Khuda Aur Muhabbat' Hira Soomro, 'Pasoori' singer Shae Gill, Feroze Khan's ongoing drama series 'Habs' director Musaddiq Malek, and actor Usman Mukhtar.
Denial from Feroze Khan
After the mass criticism, Feroze Khan issued a statement denying all allegations levelled against him. He took to Instagram to share the statement that read - "I, Feroze Khan, vehemently deny any and all baseless, malicious and untruthful allegations which have been levelled against me and are circulating on the social media rumour mill."
He added, "These allegations have no basis in truth or reality. I fully intend to institute legal proceedings against the perpetrators of these actions and I have instructed my legal team accordingly."
He concluded by saying, "I would categorically like to state that I have always followed the law in its true letter and spirit and have never knowingly hurt another human being. I very strongly believe in all human rights of every human inhabiting planet earth."
Reason for divorce, court case
On September 21, Feroze's ex-wife Aliza detailed the alleged abuse and infidelity in a long post. Reports alleged that, during their marriage of four years, , Aliza allegedly suffered torture on July 7, 2020, leaving her with bruises all over her arm, as per the evidence she provided to the District and Sessions Courts Karachi East.
In a long post, Aliza wrote, "Our Marriage of four years was an utter chaos. In addition to a continuous physical and psychological violence during this period, I had to endure infidelity, blackmail, and degradation at my husband's hands."
According to the pictures provided to the court, Aliza was allegedly assaulted by her ex-husband on May 10, 2021. Geo TV further reported that Aliza's family also took her to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for a medico-legal examination which was also provided to the court.
According to the medical report, the victim's arms and waist had bruises from being subjected to torture. The court has scheduled the case's next hearing for November 1, 2022, Geo TV reported.
Aliza's attorney, Advocate Barrister Qaim Shah, claimed that "Feroze Khan tortured Alizah on November 15, 2020, as well." Aliza claimed that her son Sultan was hurt during the altercation with her ex-husband. The attorney went on to say that "Feroze and his family threatened Aliza" when his client went to the police station to file a complaint, according to Geo TV.
Aliza was "often subjected to physical abuse on multiple occasions," according to attorney Shah, "but she chose to remain silent because of her children." Feroze and Aliza tied the knot in 2018 and have two children - Sultan and Fathima.