ISLAMABAD: Reputed Pakistani film-maker Jamshed Mahmood Raza has accused the Chief Executive Office of English-language newspaper Dawn of raping him 13 years ago.
In a series of tweets, Raza accused Dawn CEO Hameed Haroon of the assault and said his allegations were in no way related to the newspaper but to give strength to other victims of sexual assault.
Razi tweeted: “I’m ready now. Are you ready to print this @dawn_com?” Haroon, in a statement on Monday, rejected the allegations, saying it was an effort to silence him and his newspaper.
“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.
Haroon said legal action would be initiated to clear his 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.”
In another tweet, Jami said he knew his story would be branded an attempt to attack the newspaper.
“It’s not about Dawn vs Jami. It’s (a) personal issue, raised now. I’m doing all this for few years to help victims,” the film maker said.