Wasim Badami hits back at claims of children being exploited for ratings on his Ramazan show

Wasim Badami believes that kids being part of his Ramazan transmission is not the end of the world.

In a conversation with Something Haute, he shared that if it were up to him, he would get all of Pakistan’s kids to be part of his show, including his own, the sole reason being exposure. Badami quoted Ahmed Shah as an example.

Contrary to the criticism received for having very young children on his show, the anchor and host believes that Shah’s whole image has changed for the better since becoming a part of Shaan e Ramazan. “People knew him as this ‘phadde baaz’ (aggressive) kid. Six years down the line, his whole image has changed!” he claimed.

About the assumptions that kids on his Ramazan show spend the whole day and night on set, Badami clarified, “They don’t come to spend the whole day or night there, this is a misconception. They come before their segment starts, that too, unprovoked. We tell them that it’s too early right now. But they want to have fun.”

As for complaints about children — like vlogger Muhammad Shiraz — coming from villages to participate in his show, Badami said, “I feel that these children should be encouraged to travel around the world. Why not? He’s so talented. He’s Pakistan’s pride. Why should he not travel the world? Why should he be deprived of that exposure?”

The host went on to clarify that without meaning to be boastful, he firmly believes that Shah is a great example of what early media exposure can do for children. “It’s all available online, you can go and check who Ahmed Shah was. What did people know him as? He was known for his phadde baazi (aggressive behaviour). Fast forward to today, he recites the Holy Quran on TV, he speaks to everyone with respect, I have an example to quote.”

The inclusion of Shiraz, a child YouTube sensation, in Badami’s show sparked a wave of criticism online, with many, including actor Mishi Khan, raising concerns about the exploitation of child stars for ratings and profit.

Hailing from Ghursay in Gilgit-Baltistan, Shiraz is a five-year-old vlogger who uploads his daily activities to YouTube, showcasing his “raw village life”. Within a month, his channel set him on a course to stardom, with his fan following traversing borders.

In response to the initial backlash generated by the announcement of Shiraz’s participation in the show, Badami stated during a transmission of Shan e Ramazan that child stars are treated like family members on his set. He emphasised the channel management’s commitment to their well-being and assured that their education and health is prioritised over their appearance on the show.