Pakistan’s top TikTok star, Jannat Mirza, has once again become a topic of heated debate—this time for her portrayal of a sacred religious journey. The influencer is currently en route to perform Hajj with her family, but her social media posts have drawn sharp criticism for allegedly turning a spiritual pilgrimage into a publicity affair.
Before departing, Jannat shared a series of polished photos and videos with her family, prompting a mixed reaction. While many fans extended prayers and good wishes, others expressed discomfort with the glamorization of what is considered a deeply personal and humble experience.
The controversy intensified after Jannat posted a video showing an empty airplane cabin, captioned, “We had the whole plane to ourselves,” leading many to believe her family had chartered a private flight. She also gave followers a brief tour of the aircraft.
Facing growing backlash, Jannat later clarified that the flight was with Saudi Airlines and not a private charter. She said the empty cabin reminded her of the pandemic era and explained that the video was taken before the other passengers boarded.
Despite the clarification, online criticism continued. Some users argued that business-class passengers are typically boarded first, which could explain the empty seats. Others suggested the seating arrangement might have been requested by her father to protect the family’s privacy due to their public profiles.
Critics didn’t hold back. “Is this Hajj or a photoshoot?” one user asked. Another commented, “If they have that much money, why not help someone deserving to perform Hajj?” Questions were also raised about the family’s financial means, with remarks alluding to TikTok income and influencer culture.
Jannat has not responded further since posting the video, but the episode has reignited a broader debate on the role of influencers during religious events. Many are calling for more modesty and reflection when documenting spiritual journeys, especially ones as sacred as Hajj.
