Hina Bayat slams ‘bakwaas war’ over boycotts

In a recent TikTok clip that hit X, actress Hina Bayat shared her view on the ongoing trend of social media boycotts, stressing the need to use existing platforms as tools instead of resorting to blanket boycotts. The excerpt from Adnan Faisal podcastwhich is part of a larger discussion and may have more context to it, Bayat shares her thoughts on leveraging social media for personal gain and improvement.

Addressing what she called “bakwaas” (useless) war happening on the Internet, Bayatt criticized the prevailing trend of boycotting brands like McDonald’s and Starbucks. She observed, “There is a lot bakwaas war going on right now. Let me use the word bakwaas. In which many people I know are also involved. That ha ha ha ha, don’t eat McDonald’s, don’t drink Starbucks…But, they will use social media. They will use Facebook and Instagram.”

Bayat urged a pragmatic approach, stating: “Tu jahilon se main ye kehna chachti hun. products while actively participating in the very platforms they criticize.

“If you are in such circumstances where God has allowed haram to become halal…then you can eat whatever you want, even what is not allowed. Likewise, this is a weapon, use it and use it properly. What of his kind jahalat is that what you’re making fun of?’ he asked, drawing attention to the need for a more nuanced and practical approach.

Initially, the clip received some backlash. The editing of the clip seemed to suggest that the star is against boycotts and wants people to continue using various available assets as tools. “It’s disappointing to see people not realizing the importance of boycotts,” commented one X user. “What’s he trying to say?” asked another. “Social media is a tool to raise your voice. But McDonald’s and Starbucks serve no other purpose than to increase belly fat. False equivalence.”

However, as time went on, people watched and re-watched the clip, believing there might be more to what the star appeared to be saying in the short clip. A user X, who posted the original TikTok clip with the caption, “What’s up with Pakistani celebrities?” he continued “Guys, he might be trying to say don’t boycott social media, but use it as a tool. I’ve heard that many times and tried to understand.”

Another user of the microblogging site said: “What’s so hard to understand? I didn’t find it confusing at all. All he said is to boycott everything you can and keep using social media, which is also their product, to raise your voice.” Another added: “I think he supports [for] the boycott and criticism of those who mock it. We need to see more about context.”

Another user of the site formerly known as Twitter shared, “He didn’t say it in the best way, but I think he’s pro-boycott. He’s saying he’s against people saying, ‘But you use social media!'” as an excuse not to boycott or anything else if I’m not mistaken.” Another shared: “What he said is perfect, you just chose not to understand it. She quotes those who say this nonsense and says don’t boycott social media, use it as a tool and a weapon to push your own message And you’re making fun of her. Get with the program.”

Bayat’s comment reflects a broader debate about the effectiveness and impact of online boycott movements. As social media continues to play an important role in shaping public opinion, Bayat’s call for responsible and intelligent use of these platforms resonates with those navigating the complexities of digital activism and advocacy.

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