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:

Zainab Qayyum is a renowned Pakistani television actress and former supermodel. She has now established herself as a phenomenal character actor. Her most successful television shows include Pakeeza Phupo, Khalish, Mohabbat Chordi Maine, Kala Doriya, Intiqam, Riyasat, Sarkar Sahab, Yeh Zindagi Hai, Jalebiyan, Mohabbat Ab Nahi Hogi, Khumar, Aangan, Phir Wohi Mohabbat, Burns Road Kay Romeo and Juliet, and Khushboo Main Basay Khat. Most recently, fans praised her portrayal of Fozia in Geo TV’s drama serial Dayan and Sanwal Yaar Piya. She is also regarded as one of the spiritually inclined and religious Pakistani celebrities.

A few months ago, Zainab Qayyum appeared on Rafay Mehmood’s podcast, where she shared details of her spiritual journey. ZQ also revealed what persuaded her to observe Aitkaf regularly every year.

Talking about it, Zainab Qayyum said, “I reached a stage in my thirties where nobody was giving me peace—not even my mother, friends, or family’s consoling words. There was a time when I would wake up in the middle of the night, and then I started praying. I thought maybe it was Allah’s call. I then began offering Tahajjud, which gave me peace. Now, I regularly pray Tahajjud, and I still feel more peace during it than during the other five prayers. My mother cannot sit in Aitkaf, but one of my khalas used to observe it. I would tell my mother that I also wanted to try it. It has been 13 years since I started observing Aitkaf, and I have never taken a break. I began when I was 33. Now, it feels like a vacation for me where I completely disconnect from the world, without any social media contact. Initially, I used to announce that I would be unavailable for a few days, but eventually my colleagues realized that I was observing Aitkaf. Officially, you can cut off from the world, recharge yourself, and it is truly a great experience. I feel refreshed for the entire year after Aitkaf.” Here is the link to the video: