Pakistani media and celebrities are currently facing severe public backlash for celebrating the Basant festival amid ongoing unrest and tragic incidents occurring across Pakistan. Many of these incidents have resulted in heavy death tolls; yet despite the human loss, celebrities have been seen dancing to Bhangra songs while wearing vibrant colours. Pakistani media outlets have also been giving special coverage to Basant.
Recently, amid the insensitive attitude of celebrities, Naeema Butt expressed grief over the Islamabad tragedy after Geo News pulled her off-air.
While responding to a question about how Basant feels, Naeema said, “It’s a great event, to be very honest, but I recently saw a video from Islamabad which really upset me. Just a day ago we were celebrating Basant, and now….” As she was completing her sentence, Huma Amir Shah immediately cut her off on Geo News while she was seated with Abdullah Sultan. Huma Amir Shah said, “Mubashir Hashmi, let’s just move on because there has been an interruption in your audio, and we have a lot to discuss.” Watch here:
Huma Amir Shah is facing criticism for her insensitive behaviour. One user wrote, “Shame on the news anchor. ‘We have a lot to talk’ — shame!” Another wrote, “Curse upon the media for showing a one-sided picture of Pakistan on the media.” One digital user stated, “The issue is not ‘audio mein nahi,’ it’s your mentality and your upbringing.” Another commented, “How shameful. They are not covering important events.” Another wrote, “This is the true representation of our media. They only report what benefits them, and the credit for this also goes to Musharraf.” A netizen stated, “I left watching GEO way earlier. I’m glad that was the right decision.” Another wrote, “The anchor and her audacity — she is the one who blamed the woman who fell into the manhole because the tragedy didn’t serve the channel.” Naeema Butt, on the other hand, is receiving huge public praise for showing empathy towards the victims. Read here:
Ace Pakistani host and actor Mishi Khan also opened up spoke against Huma Amir Shah and Abdullah Sultan for pulling Naeema Butt off-air saying, “There was no issue in the audio but in your mentality” Watch here:
