Veena Malik breaks down on Pak national television

Karachi: Pakistani actress and model, Veena Malik broke down on national television when the host of a TV show, cleric Maulana Qavi grilled and castigated her for her behaviour on the Indian reality show, `Bigg Boss 4`.

The 32-year-old actress who earlier had a much publicised break-up with Pakistani cricketer Mohammed Asif, lashed out at her critics and clerics for degrading her, while appearing on a show on `Express` channel. Since returning from India, Malik has been constantly under fire for allegedly misrepresenting Pakistani women, Islam and Pakistani culture on the show. "You tell me is you conscience clear that you didn`t bring a bad name to Pakistan and Islam and that you behaved inappropriate to our religious and cultural values," Maulana Qavi asked her on the show. Veena had raised a furore in the orthodox and religious circles with her displays of affection with Indian actor, Ashmit Patel, her way of dressing and language on the show. "I am just an entertainer and I was not representing anyone on the show but myself. Why is everyone after me just because I am a woman and a soft target," said a defiant Malik. "Why doesn`t anyone talk about the Pakistani actresses or actors who have gone and accepted B and C grade roles in India. Some have kissed on screen and worn bikinis. Tell me did I wear a bikini on the show, did I kiss, did I undress, whatever I did was part of the tasks on the show," added Malik while defending herself. Malik later tried to shift the focus to other things happening in Pakistan. "Maulvis sexually assault children in madrassahs under their care. People are burnt alive in Pakistan. Corruption is rampant. Women are gang-raped and there is extremism everywhere and yet no one talks about these evils but everyone is concerned about me what Veena Malik did," she said. Malik broke down when the host of the show called her "Begairat" (shameless) and she shot back at him. "Who are you pass such indecent remarks about me who gave you this right," she questioned. The criticism on Malik comes at a time when the country is facing a clear divide over the blasphemy law and religious fundamentalism appears to be spreading and where the liberals and moderates are afraid to express their views. However, during the exchange, Maulana Qavi admitted he had not seen the clips of the show but had heard about it from others. "What does your Islam say, mufti sir?" Veena asked. "You issue edicts on the basis of hearsay." The actress has made it clear that she had read the Quran and knew her limits as a Muslim and also as an entertainer in South Asia. Sources close to Veena said she had received threatening phone calls since returning from India and was trying to keep a low profile these days. PTI