Actor Wasim Abbas Hits Back at Shehbaz Gill Over Criticism of Artists
LAHORE: Renowned actor Wasim Abbas has strongly responded to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shehbaz Gill after criticism directed at him over remarks about the artist community.
In a video statement, Wasim Abbas took a hard stance against Gill, accusing him of using offensive language against political opponents. He said that such language and behaviour had contributed to the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He further claimed that Imran Khan’s eyesight had been affected and pointed out that his wife and senior PTI leader Dr. Yasmin Rashid are also in jail. He questioned which party leader is currently leading from within the country, adding that those making such statements are living abroad and should return to face the situation themselves.
کنجر، مراسی والی زبان استعمال کرکے آپ نے عمران خان کو جیل میں پھنسا دیا، ان کی 75 فیصد بینائی چلی گئی، بیوی جیل میں، ڈاکٹر یاسمین راشد جیل میں۔ آپ میں سے کون سا لیڈر ہے جو لیڈ کررہا ہے۔ آپ ملک سے باہر بیٹھے ہیں واپس آئیں انقلاب کے لیے مار کھائیں، وسیم عباس کا شہباز گل کو جواب pic.twitter.com/eCwTmGL3fo
— Zubair Ali Khan (@ZubairAlikhanUN) April 22, 2026
The actor said that people like Shehbaz Gill do not deserve sympathy, calling them “educated ignorant individuals.” However, he clarified that he is not against Imran Khan personally, and in fact supports him. He highlighted what he described as positive contributions of Imran Khan, including Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Namal University, and said these achievements are acknowledged by the artist community.
Wasim Abbas also reiterated that Imran Khan is, in his view, the only hardworking figure within his political party, while questioning the actions of others.
His remarks came after Shehbaz Gill recently criticized Wasim Abbas over comments made in a podcast, where the actor had spoken about political influence, institutions, and the treatment of politicians in power and opposition, which later sparked backlash and online trolling.
