Ex-Punjab CM Offers Funeral Namaz in Car: A Viral Video Sparks Debate
A recent video has been making the rounds on social media, showing former Punjab Chief Minister and senior PPP leader Mian Manzoor Wattoo offering funeral prayers while seated in his Land Cruiser. The clip, which was recorded at a funeral in Okara, Pakistan, has sparked a heated debate among netizens about the propriety of the former CM’s actions.
In the video, Wattoo’s car is parked in the front row, while other mourners stand under the scorching sun, braving the heat to pay their respects to the deceased. Meanwhile, Wattoo remains seated inside his vehicle, apparently unable to venture out due to the sweltering heat. The video has been widely shared on social media platforms, with many users expressing their shock and dismay at the former CM’s behavior.
While some have defended Wattoo’s actions, citing the extreme heat as the reason for his decision, others have criticized him for showing disrespect to the deceased and the mourners. “It’s unacceptable to offer funeral prayers while seated in a car,” wrote one user on Twitter. “What kind of example is this setting for others?”
Others have pointed out that Wattoo’s actions were not only disrespectful but also set a bad precedent. “In a country where the majority of the population is poor and struggling to make ends meet, it’s disappointing to see a former CM showing such disregard for the rules and traditions,” wrote another user.
Wattoo’s critics have also pointed out that the former CM’s decision to offer funeral prayers from the comfort of his air-conditioned car sends a message that he is above the law and is not willing to make any sacrifices. “If he can’t even be bothered to step out of his car to pay his respects, then what kind of leader is he?” asked one user.
On the other hand, some have defended Wattoo’s actions, saying that he was simply trying to protect himself from the extreme heat. “We have to understand the context,” wrote one user. “The heat in Pakistan during the summer months can be unbearable. It’s not fair to criticize someone for trying to protect themselves from the heat.”
Others have pointed out that Wattoo’s actions were not unique and that many people in Pakistan, including politicians, have been known to prioritize their own comfort over the needs of others. “It’s not just Wattoo, many politicians in Pakistan are known to be selfish and arrogant,” wrote one user.
Despite the backlash, Wattoo has not commented on the matter, leaving many to wonder what he has to say in his defense. Will he apologize for his actions or continue to maintain that he was simply trying to protect himself from the heat?
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the values and priorities of Pakistan’s elite. Is it acceptable for those in power to prioritize their own comfort over the needs of others? Should they be held to a higher standard of conduct, or is it unfair to expect them to make sacrifices?
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Wattoo’s actions have sparked a national conversation about the importance of humility and respect, and whether those in power are willing to set an example for others to follow.
