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Sharmila Faruqi calls out celebrities attending the Hum TV Awards instead of visiting flood-affected areas

Sharmila Faruqi calls out celebrities attending the Hum TV Awards instead of visiting flood-affected areas

Each of us has a responsibility to our nation, she said, sharing pictures of Angelia Jolie's visit and comparing them with pictures of celebrities in Toronto for the award show.
22 Sep, 2022

PPP leader Sharmila Faruqi has gone after Pakistani celebrities (with the noted exception of Hadiqa Kiani) for not doing enough for flood relief. In an Instagram post, she shared pictures of several celebrities in Canada for the Hum TV Awards juxtaposed with photos of Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie in Pakistan.

“Here is Angelina Jolie visiting our worst flood affected district Dadu, spreading love and hope, appealing to the international community to come for our help,” she wrote, sharing pictures of Jolie’s trip to Pakistan during which she has met several people affected by the floods. Jolie is the special envoy for the UN refugee committee, the UNHCR, and served for 11 years as a goodwill ambassador for the committee.

“On the other hand, are our Pakistani shining stars all in Toronto for Hum TV awards, making merry and ready for some scintillating performances,” she wrote, sharing pictures of Hania Aamir and Farhan Saeed at dance practice, Saboor Aly, Nomi Ansari, Iqra Aziz and Adeel Hussain at the Edge Walk at the CN Tower in Toronto and Urwa Hocane at a dance practice.

“Not a single one of them even bothered to visit any flood affected area or show any solidarity in cash or kind except for Hadiqa Kiani, for one truly believe in cultural activities, award shows, performances etc, our artists and actors are second to none,” she wrote. Kiani, the singer, has been very actively campaigning for donations for her charity organisation Vaseela. She recently announced that she would be “adopting” villages in Sindh and Balochistan and rebuilding them.

“It would have been a great support if all of them had reached out to their fellow countrymen who have lost their homes, lives and livelihood to the devastating floods. There is a time for everything, to celebrate, to mourn… we have a humanitarian crisis in our country, this is the time to stand by them, with them, to hold, support and love them. Each one of us has a responsibility towards our nation and its people who have given us so much. It’s payback time,” wrote Faruqi, who last served as a member of the Sindh Assembly from 2013 to 2018.

While Faruqi’s words ring true — we all have a responsibility towards our nation and people — it is rather unfair to call celebrities out when we do not know what they have done in their personal capacities. Kiani has gone above and beyond when it comes to her flood relief efforts — she has collected funds and items, she has gone to visit areas to distribute those donations and she is now undertaking the responsibility of rebuilding villages. And we are so proud of her for everything she has done and is doing. Jolie’s visit is also to be commended — as is that of Turkish actor Celal Al.

But just because these other celebrities haven’t made their contributions public, doesn’t mean they haven’t contributed to flood relief efforts. Lack of visibility doesn’t always mean lack of action.

A portion of ticket sales from the Hum Awards is also going to be donated to flood relief efforts and, not to put too fine a point on the issue, attending the Hum Awards is part of their jobs. Celebrities are often paid to appear at events, so to criticise them for going to Toronto for their work — even though their work might look like a lot of fun — isn’t entirely fair either.

Many celebrities have and are holding events to raise funds for flood relief, like Uzair Jaswal’s concert in Islamabad, Fatima and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s auction and cricketer Naseem Shah’s auctioning of his bat. Many have also been sharing donation links on their social media pages. Yes, it would have been nice if these celebrities had visited flood-affected areas, but as Shehzad Roy pointed out earlier this month, visiting areas directly after a natural disaster is not always the right course of action. It can result in delaying access for heavy machinery and rescue officials.

That’s not to say enough is being done. It definitely isn’t. We need more people like Kiani, who are going out of their way to help people but shaming people for doing their jobs doesn’t seem like the best way to go about it. We don’t know what they have donated and it’s unfair to judge unless we do.

If you want to donate to flood relief efforts in Pakistan, consider one of the organisations on our extensive list.

Comments

M. Emad Sep 22, 2022 01:28pm
Why was your party leaders at Niagara Falls and in the US during this time?
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Tooba Sep 22, 2022 01:45pm
Pakistan would have been a welfare State if everyone had done their job instead of pointing fingers at others. Blaming celebrities for something that is not their mandate while keeping hush about your own government's lack of performance is bigotry at its best. People have voted for your political party since decades and nothing concrete has materialized as of now, and here are you moral policing celebrities for visiting awards. What a Shame
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M. Saeed Sep 22, 2022 01:53pm
This is the time, like Earthquake havoc, that mobilizes the people of world's largest nation of donors in anything humane for the uplift of victims of such natural disasters. But, replacing personal benefits for the victims, is not a cup of tea of our so called celebrities!
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Hussain Sep 22, 2022 01:59pm
What about her Party's Speaker who was enjoying in the Canda while flood was rampant here.? What about her minister who compared drowned Sind with Venice? What abbout her co chairperson visiting london and US?
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It's me Sep 22, 2022 02:10pm
What else can be expected from them.
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Sunshine Sep 22, 2022 02:14pm
Very true, if the awards show abroad was cancelled and the proceeds raised donated to Floods affected. A local simple less glamourized show in KPK or Sindh to show their solidarity and empathy for the destitute would have been far more memorable. And raise more awareness and funds, donations, clothes etc. locally
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Maula Jatt Sep 22, 2022 02:19pm
Miss you should mind her own business. Celebrities aren’t in politics like you they earn their hard money by entertaining people not looting people. They should attend HUMTV award to receive their achievement awards. It’s your job to see flood affected people.
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Raheel Sep 22, 2022 02:51pm
Nice photo ops that all. Shameless failed politicians of Sindh.
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Zak Sep 22, 2022 02:58pm
Tell your boss to bring his looted wealth back from Dubai and switzerland for flood relief, then no need for asking anyone for aid.
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Hasnain Sep 22, 2022 03:26pm
how would the proceeds be raised if the show is not conducted and is not made glamorous with the celebrities in it. It is not the job of celebrities to visit these places compromising their security. Would you be providing the security to our celebrities how you provided for Angelina?? Also Angelina is more of a philanthropist rather than an actor now a days. People can say anything and everything to stay in the lime light.
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Dija Sep 22, 2022 03:29pm
So true! I was also thinking how shallow they are - busy with their dance rehearsals rather than contributing their share when country is faced with such a huge disaster - says alot about so called Ms Sultana Apa!
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MUSTAFA Sep 22, 2022 03:35pm
when will this government stop cursing others for their failures, apart from floods, what has sindh achieved under PPPP in all these years ?
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Ali Sep 22, 2022 05:07pm
We all know how Sharmila and her father robbed and plundered Pakistan steel mills caught with billions of stolen jewelry and are now preaching virtues. This is what’s the number one problem in the country.
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Mian Saqib Sohail Sep 22, 2022 05:14pm
wow jus wow. how does she even dare to point fingers at anyone, 14 years straight in Sind, barring the floods, the devastation in sign is catastrophic. larkana is full of HIV infected kids, there was no clean water to drink even before the rains. what abt the case of haunted RO plants in thar, with building and hundreds of employees assigned but no one present. shameful
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TZaman Sep 22, 2022 05:22pm
Fact is our celebrities lack empathy, unless some glamour is involved.
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Nadeem Shah USA Sep 22, 2022 05:31pm
They are not expected to do anything other than what they are doing, these are not professional actors, they are not in this business to do good to society, they are in it to make money and party, can't expect much more from superficial industry with low standards of morality.
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Simba Sep 22, 2022 06:28pm
What are celebrities expected to do? Waste more resources?
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Ehsan Sep 22, 2022 06:40pm
Everyone should do what they can without shaming others
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Augustina Sep 22, 2022 06:46pm
Extraordinary new photos have emerged of the Royal Family waiting together at Windsor Castle as they prepared to escort the Queen to her final resting place in St George's Chapel.  The pictures show a family scene that is both ordinary and - given their positions, uniforms and the intensely public nature of their grief - unlike any other.  They also offer a glimpse of the personal dynamics within the Royal Family following the much-publicised breakdown of the relationship between Prince William and his brother, Harry, and the latter's regularly criticisms of the institution following Megxit.   In the photos, a stony-faced King Charles III stands with a ceremonial sword in one hand, occasionally chatting to fellow royals including Prince Edward.  At other moments, Edward is seen talking to his brother Prince Andrew, and Prince Harry with Peter Phillips, son of Anne, the Princess Royal, as they crossed a immaculate lawn close to St George's Chapel.  Harry also shares a conversation with Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence. Also present are other royals including Prince William and Lord Linley, one of Charles' cousins.  The week saw several rare displays of public unity between Harry and William. On September 10, the Duke of Sussex and his wife, Meghan, were invited to join the Prince and Princess of Wales to inspect floral tributes outside Windsor Castle, while yesterday William was seen appearing to direct the couple to their seats in St George's Chapel.  These pictures of the Royal Family waiting at Windsor Castle show a family scene that is both ordinary and - given their positions, uniforms and the intensely public nature of their grief - unlike any other. In this photo Prince Andrew chats to Prince Edward with Peter Philips behind him In this photo, Harry chats to Peter while Princess Anne talks with her husband, Sir Timothy Lawrence and King Charles, Edward, Prince William and Andrew stand together  In the photos, a stony-faced King Charles III stands with a ceremonial sword in one hand, occasionally chatting to fellow royals including Prince Edward. Next to Edward is Prince William and Andrew. Also pictured is Prince Harry (left) Princess Anne and Sir Timothy The service in St George's Chapel ended with the Queen being finally laid to rest next to her parents, her sister and the Duke of Edinburgh. H
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NYS Sep 22, 2022 06:48pm
Can we sell it one of the political statement
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shabut Sep 22, 2022 06:57pm
Look who's talking. Please stay home and stop acting like you care.
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Wahab UK Sep 22, 2022 07:09pm
So called celebrities of Pakistan, truly shameless.
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Shamim Sep 22, 2022 07:13pm
Thank you for exposing them. They were suppose to be in the field with their flood affected countrymen in the time of humanitarian crisis. They need to know their power, their presence in the field could have further highlight the misery of the flood victims many folds by getting more media attention.
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Shamim Sep 22, 2022 07:21pm
Real heroes are doing their duties by doing a volunteer work, donating money and other material support for the flood victims. We would like to see our Celebrities visiting Flood Relief Camps and raise money for the Charity of their choice for the flood victims.
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Naeem Sep 22, 2022 07:29pm
Isn't Hadiqa Kiani and TV Anchors getting the security?
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Imran Sep 22, 2022 07:55pm
We would be in much better shape if her Leader were more honest and did something for the people instead they relied on Zinda Bhutto and stole billions of public money.
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Vivid Sep 22, 2022 08:09pm
Doing some good deeds doesn't mean that you have authority to call out others actions. She is people's representative it is her onus duty to serve those who elected her to higher pedestals. Not the responsibility of TV MOVIE personalities.
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Jamal Sep 22, 2022 08:41pm
Why doesn't she call out bilawal for going to nyc at this this. Even his dad is sitting in Lahore instead of helping flood victims
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Saadia Sep 22, 2022 08:54pm
Perhaps she should consider calling out our political elite as well, who chose to attend the Queens funeral and then visit the United States on the taxpayers money; money which would have been better served for helping the flood affectees!?
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Aslam Khan USA Sep 22, 2022 09:13pm
When will PPP fulfil its responsibilities? When will it brings back looted money?
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Hamza khalid Sep 22, 2022 09:23pm
What about the lavish celebration of Bakhtawars son's birthday while the flood affectees are dying of huñger
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Khan Sep 22, 2022 09:27pm
Where are the biggest thieves and true dynasties actual beneficiary of the current corrupt system , are they enjoying in UAE and US. They are busy in abolishing NAB cases.
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Hyra Sep 22, 2022 11:33pm
Look who is talking
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Alexa Sep 22, 2022 11:44pm
At least celebrities earn an honest living compared to the greedy politicians who steal money.
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arman Sep 23, 2022 12:46am
@M. Emad to see if the Niagara has enough capacity to take our flood water and store it for future use..........its a lot of work
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Gfg Sep 23, 2022 01:03am
Why is Bilawal not among the Sindh people? He is enjoying week long US trip
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Amer Sep 23, 2022 07:43am
Did you give the same advice to your leadership and royals.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Sep 23, 2022 08:06am
No matter how much she tries and strives, she can never emulate, imitate and replicate Angelina Jolie.
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Queen Sep 23, 2022 08:24am
While Sharmila's party leaders were roaming around Niagara falls with their spouses when the country was facing floods, just saying.
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Ellie Sep 23, 2022 08:55am
Thanks for the purpose of offering like very good post. link
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MAK Sep 23, 2022 10:35am
To begin with the good work, please address the poor condition of Karachi roads.
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Dr. Malaria Se Beemar Sep 23, 2022 10:40am
Aren't they simply doing what they are paid to do? Their job? Why don't you do what your job is...what you are paid to do...fix this broken province and do it soon!
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Abida Sep 23, 2022 12:24pm
She and her family has stolen steel mill for years .steel mill chors . They should be behind bars BUT this is pakistan
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