Pakistani content creator and social media personality Ali Arif has publicly criticised comedian and television host Tabish Hashmi, accusing him of using a sensitive national issue to generate publicity for his show.
The influencer expressed disappointment after Tabish revealed that the recent speculation surrounding ‘Hasna Mana Hai’ was part of a promotional prank.
Taking to Instagram, Ali Arif shared a video in which he questioned the comedian’s marketing strategy, saying many Pakistanis were misled into believing Tabish had faced consequences for speaking on a sensitive issue.
In the video, Ali said:
“Congratulations, Pakistanis. You’ve been fooled once again. Another prank has been played on all of us. Tabish Hashmi is trending across Pakistan, people are calling him a hero and demanding justice for him because they believed his show had been shut down after he spoke about a sensitive issue. But today we found out it was all a prank. The show wasn’t cancelled at all only the set has changed.”
He further explained that Tabish’s initial video ended with the statement, “I don’t know what the consequences of this will be,” which led many viewers to believe he had taken a serious stand and was facing repercussions.
Ali added that Tabish later shared a black and white farewell-style post with the caption, “It was great while it lasted. 2022–2026,” further fueling speculation that Hasna Mana Hai had been taken off air.
According to Ali Arif, the clarification came much later, when Tabish announced that the entire episode was merely a prank to unveil a new set for the show.
Expressing his disappointment, Ali said:
“It’s really sad that people can use such a sensitive issue for jokes and marketing. Did you really think it was appropriate to use such a serious matter just to promote your show?”
The controversy began when Tabish Hashmi uploaded a video discussing the Kashmir issue, concluding it by saying he was unsure about the consequences of speaking out. The following day, his farewell style post sparked widespread speculation that his popular talk show had been cancelled.
However, Tabish later clarified that ‘Hasna Mana Hai’ was never taken off air and that the social media campaign was simply a promotional prank to introduce the show’s revamped set.
Despite the explanation, the prank drew mixed reactions online. While some fans appreciated the creative reveal, many others criticised the comedian for creating confusion and using a sensitive issue as part of a publicity campaign. Ali Arif’s remarks have further intensified the debate, with social media users remaining divided over whether the marketing strategy crossed an ethical line.
