World-renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has addressed criticism over his decision to perform at a concert just a day after his father’s passing, urging people to respect his choices and focus on his music instead.
Atif’s father passed away in Lahore last month, and the singer was scheduled to perform at the Independence Day concert in Karachi’s National Stadium the very next day.
Despite being in mourning, he fulfilled his professional commitment. While many fans lauded him for his dedication and strength, others questioned the timing of his performance, calling it insensitive.
During his ongoing concert tour in Canada, Atif responded to the backlash in a candid conversation with Canadian-based Indian journalist Faridun Shahryar. “After my father’s death, everyone was talking about how I performed the next day. What happens in my house becomes their channel’s content,” he said, expressing disappointment over how personal matters were turned into public debate.
He went on to clarify his stance, saying: “It is not my job to tell others what to do or not. I cannot relate to the whole world. My job is art — love me for my art, and hate me for my music, but don’t tell me what to do.”
Known for his soulful voice and timeless hits like Tera Hone Laga Hoon, Jeene Laga Hoon, and Woh Lamhe, Atif has always maintained a delicate balance between his personal responsibilities and the demands of a global career. His recent remarks shed light on the unique challenges artists face when personal grief clashes with public expectations.
By standing firm against criticism, Atif has once again reminded fans and detractors alike that his identity is defined by his art, not by public judgments about his personal life.
