‘Don’t play the victim card’, Ejaz Waris responds to Amna Ilyas
Drama critic Dr. Ejaz Waris has responded to the Amna Ilyas’s fiery remarks against him. The critic has dismissed what he described as a “victim card” and urged celebrities to learn to accept criticism rather than portraying themselves as targets whenever they face unfavourable reviews.
Taking to his Instagram handle, Ejaz Waris shared a story addressing the ongoing controversy without directly naming Amna Ilyas.
“1000 of pages are critically analyzing them, problem sirf Ejaz Waris se hai. Why is he not praising us and criticizing us?” his post read.
He questioned why his criticism had become the particular focus of the controversy when numerous entertainment platforms and social media pages regularly review and critique celebrities and their work.
Waris further urged public figures to develop greater tolerance toward criticism, writing, “Tanqeed bardasht karna seekhain plz, yeh aap ke islah ke liye hi hai.” He suggested that his commentary is intended as constructive criticism and an opportunity for self-improvement rather than a personal attack.
The critic concluded his message by taking aim at what he called the “mazloomiyat card,” asking people not to portray themselves as victims every time they encounter criticism.
His response comes shortly after Amna Ilyas shared a strongly worded video in which she appeared to call out Waris over his criticism of her recent dance performance.
In the video, Ilyas spoke about violence against women and argued that public commentary targeting women can contribute to a wider culture of hostility and moral policing.
“Aurton ke khilaf jitna bhi violence hota hai, woh maari jati hain, kaati jati hain, jalai jati hain, rape ki jati hain…” Ilyas said while highlighting the various forms of violence women face.
She then appeared to direct her remarks toward the unnamed critic, accusing him of using his platform to promote negative attitudes toward women.
“Mubarak ho! Aap sirf ek self-acclaimed critic nahi hain, balke aap ek murderer bhi hain, kyun ke aap jaise mard is poore fitne ko promote karte hain,” she stated.
Ilyas had previously explained that she received both appreciation and criticism after performing a dance at a recent awards ceremony. After coming across a video in which she was reportedly called “cheap,” she said she looked into the critic's work and questioned his credibility and approach toward women.
The latest exchange has now turned the disagreement into a broader debate about celebrity criticism, moral policing, freedom of expression and the responsibility of public commentators.