Today is the General Elections in Pakistan. This single day serves to define Pakistani democracy and the future of the country. This day is very important, however, if we look towards the Entertainment industry, we see that they’re not in the country to see this day unfold.
One of the first people to call out on this behaviour was Farhan Saeed
All the people from my fraternity & otherwise travelling abroad at such a crucial time is so heart-breaking . Please let’s not take our country’s future for granted. #Elections2018 #PakistanElections
— Farhan Saeed (@farhan_saeed) July 23, 2018
The film fraternity, for the most part, was travelling West-word right before the elections. Why do you ask? Well, they’re all there for the HUM Awards, which have been scheduled for the 28th of July!
Farhan’s fan called shame while also patting his back for bringing this to light
What a shame!!
So many overseas Pakistanis r traveling back to Pakistan just to vote
And these ppl r going out of Pakistan?? Just for the ceremony?
Shameful— نسرین (@Nas_k27) July 23, 2018
Now this is something worth mentioning 👍🏻. Good job bro, them people forgetting that this country had been providing them the platform all this time and when the country needs them this is the shame they are bringing us.
— zeeshan khan (@zeeshankhanMUFC) July 23, 2018
Samina Peerzada tweeted yesterday about how she will vote and then head to Toronto
I will cast my Vote then leave for Hum awards in Toronto.
— Samina Peerzada (@SaminaSays) July 24, 2018
Her followers lauded her for doing so
You have no idea how happy your tweet made me! If only other celebrities followed your lead. It's our civic duty to vote, no matter who we vote, we must VOTE.
— Horraine Ali (@WaywardNative) July 24, 2018
U have sets the best example for others who left a week ago
— maryam gillani (@maryamgillani5) July 24, 2018
Many felt disappointed in the celebrities that left earlier
Why can’t other artists do that. So disappointed in all of them
— Sarah🌸🌼 (@sarah_me05) July 24, 2018
Singer, Bilal Khan posted on Instagram about how he flew back to vote, and then after voting, he will fly back to Toronto for the awards show
Mahira Khan was among the stars who left before the elections. Due to this uproar on social media, the actor posted a patriotic photo and message on Instagram
She says in her post, ‘There was absolutely no way to delay my work commitment which was scheduled months in advance, I tried my best.’
Mahira Khan ends her post by urging people who are in Pakistan to get out and vote, ‘ I urge all of you to get out and vote!! May this year bring the change we all have been waiting to see. InshAllah. Pakistan Zindabad!!!’
No matter what the celebrities who are in Canada now say, the fact is that they operate in the public eye. Each action is seen and monitored. For many youngsters, they are role models. Their nonchalant attitude towards the elections isn’t just a personal choice, it is a choice that does imprint on others.
Despite whatever has happened, we must appreciate those in the entertainment industry who came out and voted today, actually, we must appreciate everyone who came out to vote!
May the best party win!