Imran Abbas has landed in hot waters after a seemingly innocent Instagram story stirred controversy about gender roles and workplace respect. The actor recently shared a video of a woman refueling his car at a petrol station in England, captioning it “Respect!!!” while marvelling at her presence in what he appeared to consider an unconventional role for a woman.
While many might see it as a moment of appreciation, critics argue that such gestures — even if well-intentioned — reflect a deeper issue: why is it still considered unusual or praise-worthy for a woman to do a basic job like working at a gas station? Commentators online were quick to point out that women have been part of the workforce for decades, often without applause or viral videos.
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The post reignited conversations around hidden patriarchy and societal expectations that continue to treat women’s everyday contributions as exceptions rather than norms. As pointed out by veteran actor Sania Saeed, rural women in Pakistan have long been working alongside men, yet their efforts are rarely acknowledged or respected.
Supporters defended Imran, noting that his intent was likely to highlight progress rather than patronize. He has previously spoken out on serious women’s issues, including violence and harassment. But critics insist that true gender equality will only exist when a woman pumping gas isn’t treated as a spectacle — just another person doing her job.
