Netizens have slammed Pakistani celebrities and HUM Awards over gathering in Canada for a grand event of HUM Awards 2022 amid flood devastation across Pakistan.
The netizens criticised that global personalities in Angelina Jolie, Mufti Menk and others were arriving in Pakistan to assist flood victims but the Pakistani celebrities were joining an award event in Canada and busy enjoying different fun activities in Toronto.
Our Pakistani celebs fly to Toronto to attend #Humawards while #AngelinaJolie visits #dadu to affirm support & love for our flood affected people. pic.twitter.com/qLpchJsE99
— Sharmila Sahibah faruqui S.I (@sharmilafaruqi) September 22, 2022
Does @Humtvnetwork know that Pakistan is facing worst after effects of flood?Do they know that d country is in state of economic mess,ppl r dying because of hunger n poverty?Every time their “come to Canada for #HumAwards”ad comes,I cringe.Wat world r they n our celebs living in?
— Ayesha Saeed (@Ayesha2Saeed) September 19, 2022
So @Humtvnetwork awards will donate a portion of the tickets sold to the flood victims in Pakistan. My question is why not just cancel it n donate the whole amount to the victims?!#humawards #shame
— وٹ وے؟ (@syapapaygea) September 22, 2022
I wonder Pakistan is begging for funds to help flood victims and @Humtvnetwork is spending so much in Canada? They should’ve given all spending to the PM funds or should’ve sent these artists to the flood-affected areas. #HumAwards
— Madiha Masood (@madiha_masood) September 23, 2022
Those who r saved frm floods will die from diseases
If th money collected in the flood relief is not used2help them
Another heartbreaking image from one camp in Bolan
Do we actually need to celebrate #HumAwards In Canada ,they could have done a telethon to raise money with stars pic.twitter.com/tDZAcfpEGS— Irum Azeem Farooque (@Irumf) September 22, 2022
Actor Ushna Shah tried to justify celebrities’ participation in the event abroad, saying, “People bought tickets for upto $1500 for dinner tickets, auction sold items for thousands of dollars. All funds going to flood relief via @IDRFcanada – this is why we are here. Thank you Canada! You have been extremely generous. @Humtvnetwork. Correction on the funds raised for the bat. PKR 4,274,165”
People bought tickets for upto $1500 for dinner tickets, auction sold items for thousands of dollars. All funds going to flood relief via @IDRFcanada – this is why we are here.
Thank you Canada! You have been extremely generous. @Humtvnetwork pic.twitter.com/AsEwanW6nZ— Ushna Shah (@ushnashah) September 23, 2022
Alhamdulillah, we’re currently sold out of all tickets for the HumDard IDRF Fundraising Gala for Pakistan Flood Relief!
Thank you for all who have purchased tickets, we look forward to seeing you at the dinner tonight! pic.twitter.com/3gq6eWCNO2
— IDRFcanada (@IDRFcanada) September 22, 2022
Shah wrote on Instagram Stories, “Hi everyone, it’s quite disconcerting to read the criticism for those of us who have come to Toronto to attend the award show. It is imperative that those affected by the floods know that they are not forgotten and we are working on channels to raise funds through our industry. I can speak for myself and I am sure many other artists when I say that we have contributed to the relief funds (privately) and continue to do so. As far as being here is concerned, 50% of the revenue of this sold out show goes to the families affected by the floods, we are also partaking in auctions and fundraisers here for the victims, tickets for which have also been sold of May our efforts not go in vain. We appreciate and are grateful to foreign artists who have traveled to Pakistan to raise awareness, through our efforts on this trip we are trying to do the best we can with the platforms we have. I look forward to return to Pakistan and to continue doing my part, as the rehabilitation of our fellow citizens after this horrific disaster is our collective responsibility. We must also shed international light on the effects of climate change which has affected Pakistan the most.”
She further said, “I was mistaken about the 50% proceeds, I am not aware of the actual figure but a percentage will be going to the flood victims as per my understanding.”
— Ushna Shah (@ushnashah) September 22, 2022
Azfar Rehman announced not to attend the award event due to floods in Pakistan.
Despite justifications and clarifications by the organisers and some celebrities, the event was still being criticised by the netizens.