"I had no idea what song it is."
Pakistani actress Iffat Omar recently made a stylish appearance at a fashion show in Lahore.
However, the appearance ended up drawing criticism and trolls from social media users.
The event concluded with a religious kalaam alongside a devotional performance on the runway.
Models and guests were seen celebrating on the runway during this particular segment.
Iffat Omar was dancing to the kalaam during the closing moments of the show.
This moment received significant backlash from social media users and Pakistani celebrities alike.
The kalaam, famously performed by Abida Parveen, holds deep spiritual significance for many listeners.
It has also been rendered by other artists over the years before this event.
A video of the moment went viral on social media shortly after the show.
Several users criticised the choice of using the devotional piece in this manner.
Soon after the controversy began, Iffat took to social media to clarify her position.
She explained that she stopped dancing as soon as she realised it was a kalaam.
The actress wrote: “Just to clarify I had no idea what song it is but as soon as wording started I stopped.
“If I had known, I would have never.”
Pakistani actress Mishi Khan also expressed disappointment over the fashion show’s closing segment.
She specifically criticised the choice to close the event with the religious kalaam.
The star questioned whether it was appropriate to use a devotional piece as a finale.
She challenged organisers to consider the religious significance of the kalaam beforehand.
Her criticism focused on the contrast between the spiritual lyrics and the celebratory atmosphere.
For Mishi, the issue extended beyond just the choice of music used at the event.
She questioned whether organisers had considered how audiences might interpret the performance overall.
Mishi also criticised Iffat Omar specifically over the dance steps performed during the kalaam.
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She questioned the appropriateness of such movements while devotional lyrics played in the background.
Her comments added another dimension to the controversy surrounding the fashion show.
Addressing potential criticism of her own stance, Mishi clarified her personal position further.
She said she does not consider herself a fundamentalist or an extremist herself.
Mishi explained that she is part of the entertainment industry and understands show business.
She also acknowledged her own shortcomings while explaining why the issue mattered to her.
Her central argument was that working in entertainment should not prevent respecting religious beliefs.
Mishi Khan further challenged the idea that religious matters can simply be dismissed by anyone.
