Yesterday, a ferocious earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale struck most parts of Punjab, including major cities like Lahore and Islamabad.
Parts of Mirpur and Azad Kashmir saw widespread damage, with uprooted roads and collapsed buildings dominating social media. To date, reports say that 25 people have lost their lives and up to 500 have being injured.
In such a serious situation, we expect our government functionaries to at least act with the respect and decorum that is expected of them. Sadly, one Minister thought this was a time to make a snarky quip about the whole thing. The Information Minister no less.
Firdous Ashiq Awan casually jokes about the #earthquake, without realizing that it could bring a devastating tragedy. This is beyond deplorable. The special adviser continues to act as a loose cannon. Shameful and insensitive. pic.twitter.com/iviEigecn8
— Ali Salman Alvi (@alisalmanalvi) September 24, 2019
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Social media is not amused obviously, with some journos already calling out the insensitive remarks for what they are, insensitive:
PM’s special advisor on media Firdous Ashiq Awan links #earthquake with Tabdeeli pic.twitter.com/Q2P931RcMz
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) September 24, 2019
Yeah, thanks! But unfortunately, your spokesperson, Firdous Ashiq Awan is making fun of this natural calamity callously. Please look into this verbal crisis once you're back home. Thanks! 👍https://t.co/TMp1JU5BSA
— Maleeha Hashmey (@MaleehaHashmey) September 25, 2019
"This is a sign of change, the earth has taken a crotch", Firdous Ashiq Awan.#earthquake pic.twitter.com/UpxFIQfq47
— Niazkhan (@Niazkha98335987) September 24, 2019
Some even likened her callous attitude to the one exhibited by French queen Marie Antoinette:
"Let them eat cake" Queen Marie Antoinette 1755 – 1793
And @Dr_FirdousPTI 24- September 2019 #EarthquakeinPakistan #earthquake #FirdousAshiqAwan@Awai_yar https://t.co/zHMLpn2BCt
— Fishel BenKhald (@Jew_Pakistani) September 24, 2019
Everything is a joke for this woman which is never funny for anyone else. Zero IQ, self-professed humor and Insafians arrogance gives you Firdous Ashiq Awan. pic.twitter.com/jhDx483ZSo
— Maimoona (@audaciousM__) September 24, 2019
Several people died and many more injured in Earthquake but @Dr_FirdousPTI is cracking jokes . Shameful and disgusting! @ImranKhanPTI should take action against her.#earthquake #FirdousAshiqAwan
— Muhammad Noman khan (@nomi_golden) September 24, 2019
She later tried to say her comments had been taken out of context. But we’re not sure that is going to convince people otherwise:
PM's aide on information Firdous Ashiq Awan says her statement that ‘earthquake is linked with Tabdeeli’ was taken out of context and she didn’t mean to be arrogant or insensitive pic.twitter.com/LxWaSAaKrj
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) September 24, 2019
Is this arrogance? Or is this the level they will stoop to, to prove something as ridiculous as their #tabdeeli slogan?#Shame on the minister for making a joke of such a tragic incident leaving hundreds dead and injured and thousands homeless.#earthquake #firdousashiqawan pic.twitter.com/tpI4fNK5fh
— Shaza Fatima Khawaja (@ShazaFK) September 24, 2019
We think this is the last word on the matter:
Was I supposed to laugh? What’s so funny about buildings collapsing and people dying? I don’t get it…
You disgust me @Dr_FirdousPTI #firdousashiqawan pic.twitter.com/8ERAvCCGmI
— Raheel (@AdvocateRahel) September 25, 2019
PTI supporters are calling for Imran Khan to replace her. Do you think that is the right move? Sound off in the comments below.
We appreciate @ImranKhanPTI 's efforts but on this basis we can't tolerate Firdous Ashiq Awan's bull shit… #KickOutFirdousAshiq immediately… https://t.co/tfavNHniHM
— 🇵🇰丂卄卂爪乇乇ㄥ 卂卄爪乇ᗪ🇧🇫 (@Shameel_Khan) September 24, 2019
