Renowned Pakistani gastroenterologist and public figure Dr. Affan Qaiser is facing strong criticism online after defending singer Atif Aslam for performing at a concert just a day after his father’s passing. The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media about professionalism, religious values, and emotional sensitivity.

In a recent video, Dr. Affan praised Atif Aslam for honoring his professional commitment despite his personal grief. “Atif Aslam showed what it means to be truly professional,” Dr. Affan said. “His father passed away a day before the concert on 14 August, but he went ahead with his performance. This concert had been scheduled four months earlier. Many people take off work without notice, but he showed up — in pain but committed.”

He further compared Atif’s decision to the example of comedian Shakeel Siddiqui, who also once performed after a personal loss. “It’s a lesson in dedication. He’s grieving silently yet doing his job. That’s something to learn from,” Affan added.

However, this viewpoint didn’t sit well with many on social media. Critics argued that Atif’s decision to perform so soon after his father’s death contradicts Islamic teachings, which emphasize a mourning period of three days. One user wrote, “Which commitment is greater than the Hadith that tells us to observe grief?” Others questioned the message being sent to society about priorities in the face of personal loss.

A disappointed fan commented, “Dr. Affan, I’ve always admired your wisdom, but today you sound completely disconnected.” Another added, “Would you still expect someone to perform if they had just lost a loved one or been in an accident? There are limits to professionalism.”

Some users also raised the point that in Islam, singing itself is controversial, let alone doing so during a period of mourning.

The debate brings to light a broader question: where should the line be drawn between professional obligations and personal or spiritual responsibilities? While some hailed Atif’s dedication, others called it emotional detachment at the cost of tradition and faith.

As the discussion continues to unfold, it’s clear that in a society balancing modern values and deep-rooted beliefs, decisions like these are bound to stir public discourse.

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