Veteran Pakistani actress Hina Khawaja Bayat has come out strongly against the Karachi Jinnah International Airport for lacking water in washrooms, terming the scenario a "national shame." In a video posted on her official Instagram account on Thursday, the actress expressed her disappointment at the declining civic facilities of one of Pakistan's leading international transit hubs. “At a time when we should be proud of our country’s achievements, there’s not even water in the airport washrooms,” Bayat said in the video. The actress pointed out how passengers attempting to carry out wazu or help children with basic hygiene needs were rendered helpless because of the lack of water.

"No Water at an International Airport Is Shameful": Hina Bayat

Hina Khawaja Bayat did not mince words as she slammed authorities for neglecting basic civic needs. She asked questions about the priorities of the government, accusing it of being obsessed with "mega projects" and "development spectacles" without paying attention to reality on the ground. “Everyone talks about new trains and grand infrastructure. But who’s fixing the basics?” she asked. Captioning the video on social media platform, Instagram, she wrote, “Why have we as a nation become so accepting of poor service, poor systems, poor management, poor maintenance and unending system & institutional damage?” She continued, “Because we always try and justify the wrongs and prioritise useless endeavours instead of focusing on the everyday basic needs of the common citizen. It's time we take responsibility and fix things before declaring celebrations.”

Hina Khawaja Bayat's video message has set off new controversies around Pakistan's governance lapses, particularly as it faces growing diplomatic isolation and internal unrest. Her speech has resonated with many, turning the spotlight on an issue far more basic than politics that is access to water. Bayat's claim is politically sensitive, coming as it does in the wake of India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 water-sharing pact. The treaty was suspended after the April 22 terrorist attack at Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. India then carried out precision attacks against terror bases in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir under Operation Sindoor on May 7. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that peace talks with Pakistan remain off the table until Islamabad takes “credible and irreversible steps” against cross-border terrorism. “The Indus Waters Treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan abjures terrorism,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

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Even after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently showed readiness to resume talks, New Delhi stands firm. The Indian government has continued to hold that the sole discussion it is prepared to enter into is for Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and the extradition of listed terrorists.

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