Naila Speaks Out Against False Claims in Imad Wasim Scandal

News Desk

Islamabad: Social media influencer Naila Raja has publicly addressed recent allegations connecting her to cricketer Imad Wasim, dismissing widespread rumors of an extramarital affair as “baseless” and “misleading.”

The controversy erupted following online speculation that Imad Wasim’s alleged infidelity had caused a rift with his wife, Sania Ashfaq, who recently gave birth to their third child, a son named Zayan.

Adding to the speculation, Sania posted a cryptic Instagram message announcing the birth, notably omitting any mention of Imad. Her caption read: “I carried you alone in my womb for 9 months. May God give me more strength for the journey ahead, Zayan.”

A relative reshared the post, praying for Sania’s strength and calling her “so strong,” which many social media users interpreted as a sign of marital problems.

Further fueling rumors, Sania’s Instagram profile no longer identifies her as Imad Wasim’s wife, and she has removed all photos of them together, although the couple still follows each other.

Tensions rose further when a video surfaced online showing Imad Wasim walking with a woman in London, with some users claiming the woman was Naila Raja.

In response to the growing speculation and online backlash, Naila Raja issued a formal statement on Instagram. She wrote, “Hello, I usually don’t respond to rumors or speculation, but this has gone too far. I shared that story [with Imad Wasim] on my own Instagram. It wasn’t hidden or secretive. How can a harmless Instagram story be the reason for someone’s divorce?”

Regarding the viral video, she explained it was filmed outside an optical store and was taken out of context. “The video was zoomed in from one angle, deliberately ignoring the rest of the group who were present with us at the time.”

Naila criticized the tone and nature of the online commentary, calling it invasive and unfair. “I understand that being a public figure comes with criticism, but I am also a woman. Please stop dragging me into something that has nothing to do with me.”

She expressed distress over abusive messages sent to her family, including her brother, who has been told to “control” her and questioned about “honour.” “Why is honour always associated with a woman’s actions?” she asked. “Have we created a society where a woman’s dignity is constantly scrutinized while her achievements are ignored?”

She further questioned societal attitudes, stating, “Then we wonder why honour-based violence still exists. We’ve normalized judging others without context just to feel morally superior.”

Imad Wasim has not yet responded publicly to the allegations. However, criticism against him has intensified following Sania’s emotionally charged post, with many condemning him for allegedly betraying his wife during her pregnancy a time when she needed him most.

It is worth noting this is not the first time Imad Wasim’s name has been linked to controversy; he was previously accused of involvement with an Afghan woman, a claim that also gained social media attention at the time.