The first Pakistan International Screen Awards stirred more controversy than celebration. Though the event was a star-studded one with Pakistan’s A-listers in attendance, the organisers of the awards came under fire for ‘disrespecting’ other actors especially senior ones.

Zara Noor Abbas, who was among those in attendance, took to social media to pen a note on the incident, asking everyone to respect each other, adding that “everyone who travelled here had no clue of who would be eventually present here or not present here.”

“We all as a fraternity will always stand together in the good the bad and the ugly,” she wrote.

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A cup of coffee and a few thoughts. First of all my heartiest congratulations to everyone who won an award lastnight and enjoyed a show with their fans in Dubai lastnight. And my heartiest apologies to everyone who was not there lastnight and felt disappointed and disrespected for their names being used and commitments not fulfilled. Artists all over the world are extremely sensitive people like myself and take everything to the heart. They love being loved and love entertaining people with their art and craft. However, I would urge you all to be more compassionate to each other as fellow actors and support each other in what we all do for the love of our country and art. Everyone who travelled here had no clue of who would be eventually present here or not present here. We all as a fraternity will always stand together in the good the bad and the ugly. Award shows and get togethers like these are a celebration of art and our industry as a whole. Let's all respect that and also respect each other's opinion. And hey, let's stop comparing to who wore what and how better they wore it. Who showed skin and who showed a personality. Let's all welcome diversity and differences. I missed everyone who was in Pakistan and was miscommited. But I also loved the actors who were there lastnight to support Pakistan. Let's just be more compassionate with each other. I was told that I am winning an award too but before my category could be announced some uninterrupted and unfortunate event happened. I would like to thank all my fans for voting for me. For voting for my fellow nominees and for wanting to see everyone out there who you love for their art and work. All said and done, Pakistan phir Pakistan hee hai. ❤️?? Apnay mulk main awards Ka maza hee kuch aur hai.

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Read more – Pakistan International Screen Awards comes under fire for ‘disrespecting’ nominees

PISA, which took place in Dubai on February 7, came under fire for ghosting actors and nominees and not giving them their due respect. Among those who were left hanging included Osman Khalid Butt, Ahmed Ali Akbar, Nadia Afgan, Nabeel Zafar and Ali Safina.