In 2017, Atif Aslam made headlines for being a knight in shining armour, but not for his exceptional singing skills. While he was performing live, he had called out a man in the audience for harassing a woman. While the pop star’s sense of responsibility and chivalry were rightfully praised, such disturbing incidents continue to occur on a regular basis.
They only get reported if a celebrity responds to them or if a victim recounts the ordeal on social media. For the latter, such confessions also open the floodgates for victim-blaming and shaming.
Atif recently cancelled his performance in Islamabad in the middle of it to protect families from being harassed. On social media, conflicting reports have arisen, with eyewitnesses recalling different reasons for what happened at the ill-fated event.
One witness claims that the audience threw bottles at Atif, forcing him to leave the stage halfway through his performance. Women were touched and harassed by guys in the audience, according to other sources. Many people took to social media to criticize the management for the inadequate security.
A person who attended the first day of the much-hyped food festival stated: “Taste Plus is a poorly organized festival in Islamabad. People are being advised not to attend the rest of the event because it is pointless. Is there no longer any location that is safe? Atif left in the middle of the show because he couldn’t stand the way the audience was acting.”
One more person added, “Atif Aslam was set to perform at Taste Plus in Islamabad, and I just went. I was disgusted by the audience’s heinous behaviour. Such a letdown that a celebrity with a worldwide fan base had to leave before the event could wrap up.”
“Atif Aslam, shortly after arriving at a concert in Islamabad, fled midway after reports of several harassments inside the crowd,” another user continued. “Atif Aslam was extraordinarily kind and consoled a female victim, visible above as some of the audience laughed and tossed trash at the stage,” said another.
Another person made the same point while recommending everyone not to attend the event’s final two days. “Taste Plus in Islamabad was the worst event I’ve ever attended. The show was plagued by poor administration, the worst audience, and inept hosts. After a few songs, Atif Aslam left the event. For the next two days, it is not suggested! “the tweep scribbled.
Many people called out the organizers for the poorly organised event. “These people’s mismanagement is so bad that they couldn’t even handle Atif Aslam’s concert yesterday.” Mismanagement forced Atif Aslam to cancel his show in Islamabad.”
However, despite the backlash Atif Aslam received, there were also people who came in for his support and appreciation.
“Whatever happened last night in Islamabad’s concert was absolutely pathetic. Atif Aslam winning hearts over and over again,” one remarked, while another tweep added, “Just got to know that, another mismanaged event ‘Islamabad Taste Festival’ happened in Islamabad. Where singer Atif Aslam walked out of the event because some groups in the crowd were harassing girls. What the hell is happening!”
According to one user, “I’m not sure what happened in Islamabad, but I have a lot of respect for Atif Aslam. This man never ceases to dazzle.”
Another person praised the Doori singer by writing, “What a powerful response. When a girl was harassed by several shameless jerks at a performance in Islamabad last night, he walked out. I am confident that no one will dare to do anything wrong at Atif’s concert the next time.”
On social media, an alleged screenshot of the singer responding to a fan following the commotion has been circulating. A person apologized to the singer in the said Instagram discussion and wrote, “Please accept my sincere apologies for tonight. There are a few bad apples who spoil everything for everyone.”
“Please call out management so this does not happen again,” the user said, expressing his disappointment.
To this, Atif replied, “Don’t be sorry, I love Islamabad. At least, we saved some families from any mishap by stopping the event.” The screenshot could not be verified independently.
