Sialkot: Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly condemned the tragic incident in Daska, where a stampede during a TikTok influencer’s wedding celebrations claimed two lives and left dozens of people injured.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Khawaja Asif said the incident, which involved a TikTok personality known as “Patlo,” deserved the strongest condemnation.
According to the minister, the TikToker attracted a large crowd by announcing expensive prizes, including substantial cash rewards, at his wedding ceremony. He alleged that the entire event was staged to generate more income through social media, with the announced prizes serving as an investment to attract public attention and increase online earnings.
Khawaja Asif said the incident amounted to making a spectacle of the poverty of underprivileged people, who gathered in large numbers in the hope of receiving prizes. The resulting stampede led to the loss of two precious lives and injuries to dozens of others.
The defence minister further claimed that the TikToker was absconding and using his influence to undermine the effectiveness of the law. He stressed that unchecked social media activity could become a serious threat to society and the state, calling for accountability and stronger oversight.
Raising questions about the financial activities of social media influencers, Khawaja Asif said many TikTokers and other digital content creators were earning millions and even billions of rupees.
He questioned whether the existing tax laws adequately regulate their earnings and ensure that they fulfil their tax obligations.