'You touched me without my permission’: Internet outraged as old Pakistan interview resurfaces showing man touching reporter mid-interview

A street interview video from Pakistan is once again going viral on social media, drawing strong reactions online. Though the clip isn’t new, its resurfacing has brought it back into focus, with many users revisiting and debating the exchange. What begins as a routine question soon turns into a tense moment, highlighting how quickly public conversations can shift into deeper disagreements around personal beliefs and boundaries.

A question about a bigger issue

The video begins with the woman (popular YouTuber, Shaila Khan) raising a concern. She says, “There is a war brewing between Palestine and Iran. Pakistan is a neighbouring country. If war breaks out over there, we’re going to be completely ruined here, too.”

Instead of responding to this topic, the man changes the direction of the conversation. He says,

“First of all, I would like to say that while our country bears the name of Islam, fair enough, we do not practice a single Islamic deed within it.”

This shifts the discussion away from the original point.

Conversation turns personal

The woman then asks him to explain. “Such as? What sinful act have we committed?” she says.

The man replies by pointing at her and saying, “The very first transgression we have committed is this: you are standing right in front of me, in an Islamic country, yet you do not have a dupatta covering your head. Do you understand?”

He then places his shawl over her head. The woman reacts and says, “Oh, brother! Why does your version of Islam begin and end with a dupatta? Keep your own shawl to yourself; I have my own. I have my own shawl. This is my decision, isn’t it? It certainly isn’t yours.”

The man responds, “How can this be your decision? It is a command from Allah!”

Consent and personal boundaries raised

The situation becomes more tense when the woman objects. She says, “You touched me without my permission. Do you realize what a grave sin you have just committed?”

The man denies it and says, “I didn’t touch you; I just placed my hand on your own head.”

He then calls her “sister,” but she strongly disagrees. She says, “Sister? No, not a sister! You are not related to me by blood. Why did you touch me without my permission? Is this what Islam teaches you?”

She further adds, “Just because it gave a commandment [regarding Parda], does that mean you can go around touching just anyone’s mother or sister?”

Warning and further exchange

As the argument continues, the woman warns him. She says, “Do you realize that you could be arrested for this?”

The man replies, “I am ready for that.”

She then says, “This behaviour constitutes social harassment.”

A woman standing nearby also steps in and tells the man to answer the question instead of changing the topic.

Social media reaction

As the clip circulates again, users are reacting strongly online. The video carries the caption “Brave Pakistani feminist journalist,” and the text on the clip reads, “Feminism in Pakistan Salute to both ladies.”

Many users supported the woman. Some comments said, “What’s her name? I need to find her,” and “On loop for the queen, slayed women.”

Others pointed out contradictions in the exchange. One comment read, “Funny how he’s so worried about her modesty but has no problem touching a woman he doesn’t know to force a dupatta on her.”

Some users also called her an “Educated reporter,” while another wrote, “Damn his audacity. Hat’s off to her for her patience. I would’ve slapped him then and there.”

Disclaimer: This article is based on a resurfaced viral video and reactions shared across social media platforms. The authenticity, context, and timing of the clip have not been independently verified. The views and opinions expressed by individuals in the video and in online comments are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication.
Thumb image: Instagram/@saffronsting