Renowned Pakistani stage and film actor Nargis, born Ghazala Idrees, recently alleged that she suffered severe domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, Inspector Majid Bashir, in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area. Nargis, a celebrated stage actress with over 100 films to her credit, shared her ordeal on social media, where a video showed multiple bruises on her face, eyes, and other parts of her body. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.
What Happened?
The alleged assault reportedly occurred when Nargis refused to transfer her property to her husband. According to her, Bashir aimed to coerce her into signing over her farmhouse and other valuable assets, including a nine-kanal plot and gold ornaments. In her First Information Report (FIR) filed at the Defence C police station, Nargis recounted how Bashir’s demands escalated into extreme violence when she declined.
FIR
The actress claimed that Bashir had a history of abusive behavior. She stated in the FIR that her husband had physically assaulted her on three previous occasions, but each time, she refrained from reporting the incidents to protect her marriage. However, this latest incident allegedly marked a breaking point. Nargis reported that on Friday, Bashir “crossed all limits” by assaulting her in front of her nephew and employees, even dragging her by her hair and repeatedly hitting her with his official gun. She described how Bashir inflicted bruises around her eyes and further attempted to injure her by inserting the gun barrel into her mouth.
Threats
The abuse, according to Nargis, was part of an attempt by Bashir to seize her wealth. She alleged that he not only wanted her properties but also planned to accommodate the former wife of a well-known TV host in her residence without her consent. In the FIR, she claimed that Bashir had even threatened her life, telling her he would blame her enemies if she died.
Cantonment Division Operations
The local police, who lodged an FIR based on her report, have been actively searching for Bashir, who has evaded arrest since the assault. Cantonment Division Operations SP Awais Shafiq confirmed that the police are conducting raids to locate the accused. Bashir had previously faced suspension and had been reassigned to police lines following other complaints, according to Shafiq.
Police Inspector Abid
This is not the first time Nargis has endured such violence. In 2002, she was subjected to a similarly brutal assault by her former husband, dismissed police inspector Abid, also known as “Boxer.” That incident, which occurred at her home in Johar Town, saw her sustain 39 injuries, and Abid reportedly shaved her eyebrows and head. This history of repeated abuse from her spouses highlights a troubling pattern of violence faced by the actress.
Protective Measures for Victims
The recent assault on Nargis has sent shockwaves across Pakistan, with many expressing outrage over the safety and security of women, especially those in the public eye. The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the prevalence of domestic violence in society and the need for stronger protective measures for victims. As police continue their search for Majid Bashir, Nargis’s supporters and advocates for women’s rights are demanding accountability and justice for the actress, who has been a celebrated figure in Pakistan’s stage and film industry.
Actor Nargis courage in bringing her story to light has underscored the urgent need for legal and social reforms to prevent such incidents from recurring. Actor Nargis case serves as a grim reminder of the challenges women continue to face, particularly when financial and personal interests intersect with issues of power and control within relationships.