(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) Usman Khan
PESHAWAR: A heated debate started on the social media after the TikTok video of famous Pashto singer Gul Panra went viral, with some tribal elders and religious circles criticising the singer for 'violating' the local culture and traditions, and some others praising the singer for promoting peace in merged areas.
On Saturday, a TikTok dance video of Gul Panra at the official residence of Deputy Commissioner Khyber Mehmood Aslam Wazir in Landikotal went viral on the social media, to which the administration first showed ignorance and then ordered probe. Chief Minister Mehmood Khan also took notice of the matter and ordered inquiry.
The critics of the dance video on Sunday staged a protest against it during which they sought explanation as to who allowed the singer to enter the DC office and make video.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Arbab Khizer Hayat Khan said while talking to TNN that Gul Panra went to Darra Khyber along with him. He said Gul Panra joined him and his family went to Khyber district where they visited different historic sites. He admitted that no prior information was given to the deputy commissioner or assistant commissioner Landikotal about the visit of Gul Panra. He said he did not tell about Gul Panra's visit because she is a celebrity and he feared that a large number of fans will gather around her if they know about her visit.
Arbab Khizer Hayat said the visit took place on Friday and the video was uploaded on Saturday which created a storm of criticism, which is beyond comprehension. He argued that there is no issue with the video, as Gul Panra is a famous singer and she has tens of thousands of fans.
The PML-N leader criticised the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) for protest against the video. He said there are many other issues in tribal districts which need attention, but the JI chose to protest over a non-issue. He said the video was uploaded by mistake, but still if it is against tribal traditions, then he would seek apology from the tribal elders.
Arbab Khizer Hayat said the people of merged districts are known for their hospitality. He said the merged districts have suffered a lot due to terrorism and now is time to promote tourism there.
A statement issued from the deputy commissioner's office on Saturday stated that the district administration has nothing to do with the TikTok video of Gul Panra. It said the matter will be probed as to how a family entered the official residence of the officer and then made a TikTok video. The statement said no permission was taken from the DC for the video and the matter wasn't brought before the assistant commissioner either.
On Sunday, the chief minister also took notice of the video and ordered probe.
People have shown mixed reaction over the viral video of Gul Panra, with some supporting her for promoting local tourism and peace, while some others, particularly the religious circles, criticising her for uploading dance video against local traditions. Critics say the bungalow used to be a centre for Jirgas of tribal elders where problems of people were resolved, but now it is used for dancing which will impact the local culture and traditions.
However, her supporters say the visit of Gul Panra shows peace has completely returned to the area and now steps must be taken by the government for promotion of tourism.
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