IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Pakistani Singer Atif Aslam Halts Concert to Stop Woman Being Sexually Harassed

Popular Pakistani singer Atif Aslam took a stand against sexual harassment this past weekend.
Image: Atif Aslam performs at 'Rhythm for All with Atif Aslam Night Live in Dhaka'
Celebrated Pakistani playback singer Atif Aslam performs at 'Rhythm for All with Atif Aslam Night Live in Dhaka' at the Navratri Hall of International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on May 30, 2016.Corbis via Getty Images

Popular Pakistani singer and actor Atif Aslam is being applauded for taking a stand against sexual harassment after bringing a concert in Karachi to a screeching halt to ensure the safety of a female fan allegedly being accosted by men in the audience.

In a moment that was caught on tape and now has over 33,000 views on YouTube, Aslam stopped midway through a performance after he spotted a woman being manhandled.

"Have you ever seen a girl? She could be your mother or a sister," the singer said, admonishing some members of the crowd. He then asked one of his band members to "rescue her."

Related: Sexual Assault Reports Cast Shadow Over Summer Concerts

As the woman was pulled on stage, the supportive crowd chanted: "Atif, Atif!"

"If you behave yourself, you will get a proper show. Otherwise it will wrap up early ... be a human being," Aslam warned before continuing with the performance.

Aslam's actions were applauded by several people on social media, in part because they highlighted a serious and pervasive problem at concert sites around the globe: the physical mistreatment of women by male patrons.

According to the BBC, the venue in Karachi was overcrowded, and several women reported being harassed.

"Atif did the right thing, which any other human being would do," his brother and manager, Shezad Aslam, told NBC News. "We don't want this to be blown out of proportion, and hope that folks continue to believe in Atif's music."