Moral crisis

Published January 14, 2025

THE recent high-profile wedding of a TikToker in Pakistan has sparked wide-spread debate, not just for its extravagance, but for what it symbolises as the direction Pakistani society seems to be moving in. The event, attended by ‘influencers’ and politicians, some even accompanied by official security personnel, underlined the growing obsession with social media fame as a shortcut to success.

Social media platforms, while offering creative opportunities, are increasingly becoming a trap for our young minds. Instead of seeking knowledge, science or meaningful careers, many now idolise the so-called influencers, who often promote superficial lifestyles over subs-tance. This shift in priorities raises critical concerns about the future of society, as hard work and education are sidelined for quick fame and viral trends.

The involvement of politicians and misuse of state resources at such events only deepen the moral crisis. It sends the wrong message to a nation already stru-ggling with economic challenges and declining educational standards. Our youth, the future of the country, deserves better role models. We must question what kind of values we are promoting when fame and extravagance overshadow integrity, intellect and societal contribution.

If we fail to realign our priorities and guide the younger generation towards constructive goals, we risk losing a gen-eration to the illusion of overnight success. It is time for educators, policymakers and parents to step up, emphasise the importance of knowledge, and celebrate achievements that truly benefit society.

Muhammad Waqas
Tübingen, Germany

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2025

Opinion

Editorial

Depopulating Gaza
Updated 07 Feb, 2025

Depopulating Gaza

The least feasible "solution" is the Trumpian plan for Gaza’s ethnic cleansing and occupation, which is a non-starter.
‘Pause’ in US aid
07 Feb, 2025

‘Pause’ in US aid

THE impact of the Trump administration’s decision to ‘pause’ all US foreign aid programmes, especially those...
Mobilising opposition
07 Feb, 2025

Mobilising opposition

POLITICS makes strange bedfellows. There has not, for quite some time, been a guest list as intriguing as the one...
No time left
Updated 06 Feb, 2025

No time left

Climate change concerns continue to remain a footnote as politics dominates national discourse, surfacing only when disaster strikes.
Karim Aga Khan
06 Feb, 2025

Karim Aga Khan

PRINCE Karim Aga Khan was a man who straddled various worlds and cultures. Beyond his role as spiritual leader of ...
Cotton production
06 Feb, 2025

Cotton production

PAKISTAN’S cotton crop is on the ropes. The crop output has been falling since FY15, when the country harvested a...