KARACHI: Social media influencer Naila Raja has publicly addressed recent allegations linking her to cricketer Imad Wasim, dismissing widespread rumors suggesting an extramarital affair between the two as “baseless” and “misleading.”
The controversy unfolded after a flurry of online speculation claimed that the former Pakistan all-rounder’s alleged infidelity had led to a rift with his wife, Sania Ashfaq, who recently gave birth to the couple’s third child, a son named Zayan.
Fueling the speculation, Sania Ashfaq posted a cryptic message on Instagram, announcing the birth without any reference to Imad Wasim. The post was accompanied by a caption that 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, offering prayers for Sania’s strength and calling her “so strong,” prompting several social media users to interpret the omission of Imad’s name as a sign of marital discord.
In a further development, social media users noted changes to Sania Ashfaq’s Instagram profile, which no longer identified her as the wife of Imad Wasim. She has also removed all photos with the cricketer from her account, though both individuals continue to follow each other on the platform.
Adding fuel to the fire, a video emerged online allegedly showing Imad Wasim walking with a woman in London. Though the footage was unclear, some users claimed the woman in the video was Naila Raja.
Amid mounting speculation and a growing online backlash, Naila Raja took to Instagram to issue a formal clarification.
“Hello, I usually don’t respond to rumors or speculation, but this has gone too far,” she wrote. “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?”
Referring to the viral video, she explained that 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 further criticized the tone and content of 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 dismay over abusive messages reportedly sent to her family members, including her brother. “He’s being told to ‘control’ me and questioned about ‘honor’. Why is honor always associated with a woman’s actions?” she asked. “Have we created a society where a woman’s dignity is constantly under scrutiny while her achievements are overlooked?”
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