The sudden passing of child star Umar Shah on September 15, 2025 shocked Pakistan. But what happened next on television screens created an even bigger controversy that’s still dividing social media.
Who Was Umar Shah?
Umar Shah became a household name through Ramadan transmissions starting in 2020. The young boy captured hearts with his innocent expressions and viral moments on Pakistani TV shows. His brothers Ahmed Shah and Abubakar Shah also gained fame through similar appearances.
Together, these child stars built massive followings across Pakistan’s digital landscape.
The Controversy That Erupted
Just days after Umar Shah’s death, major TV channels invited his family members for special tribute shows. Nida Yasir and other hosts brought Ahmed Shah and Abubakar Shah on air to remember their younger brother.
What Happened on Screen
Private channels organized memorial segments featuring:
- Wasim Badami as host
- Sadia Imam as guest
- Umar Shah’s parents and uncle
- Brothers Ahmed Shah and Abubakar Shah
During these broadcasts, Ahmed Shah cried repeatedly while remembering his brother. Audiences watching at home also teared up.
Why Social Media Exploded
Pakistani netizens didn’t hold back their criticism of these shows. Comments flooded social platforms with harsh words for both media channels and the family.
The Main Criticisms
“This is ratings business, nothing else”
Many users compared the situation to when legendary qawwal Amjad Sabri died. They claimed channels exploited that tragedy too by calling his son for interviews and shows.
“Stop bringing grieving children on TV”
Critics argued that putting Ahmed Shah and Abubakar Shah on camera so soon after losing their brother crossed ethical boundaries.
“It’s all about money”
Some accused the children’s parents of treating their kids’ fame as a business opportunity, with media channels happily participating for ratings.
Sample Comments From Users
“I think now we should stop calling these children in Ramadan transmissions, they have crossed the line.”
“The media is like family to them, they built their homes, they gave them fame, they gave them jobs, they should not be criticized.”
The debate split into two camps with strong opinions on both sides.
Nida Yasir Faces Backlash
Nida Yasir received particularly harsh criticism for her condolence statement about Umar Shah. Social media users called her words:
- “Artificial”
- “Scripted for ratings”
- “Lacking genuine emotion”
Her special show on the topic only amplified the controversy instead of calming it.
The Defense: Why Some Support the Coverage
Not everyone criticized the media coverage. A significant group defended both the channels and the family’s decision to appear.
Arguments in Favor
ARY gave these kids everything
Supporters pointed out that ARY and other channels:
- Launched these children to stardom
- Provided income for their families
- Treated them well throughout their fame
- Deserve gratitude, not criticism
Tribute shows honor memories
Some viewers saw the programs as genuine tributes rather than exploitation. They felt emotional watching Ahmed Shah remember his brother.
Family’s choice matters most
Defenders argued that if Umar Shah’s family wanted to appear on TV, outsiders shouldn’t judge that decision.
The Bigger Picture: Child Stars and Pakistani Media
This controversy highlights ongoing concerns about how Pakistani media handles child celebrities.
Questions Being Asked
Are Ramadan transmissions exploiting children?
Since 2020, young kids have become regular fixtures in Ramadan programming. The Umar Shah tragedy forced people to question whether this trend is healthy.
Where’s the line between tribute and exploitation?
When does memorial coverage cross from respectful remembrance into ratings-driven content? This case made that line seem very blurry.
What about the children’s wellbeing?
Putting grieving children on camera raises serious questions about their emotional health and privacy during trauma.
Media Ethics in Pakistan’s Entertainment Industry
The Umar Shah media controversy exposes deeper problems with how Pakistani television operates.
Patterns People Notice
- Quick exploitation of tragedies for content
- Using children’s emotions for ratings
- Prioritizing viewership over ethical boundaries
- Blurred lines between news and entertainment
Historical Comparisons
Users specifically mentioned the Amjad Sabri case, where his young son appeared on multiple shows after the qawwal’s tragic murder. Many see this as a repeated pattern rather than an isolated incident.
The Family’s Perspective
Umar Shah’s parents and siblings made the choice to appear on these programs. Understanding their reasoning matters:
- Financial dependence on media opportunities
- Genuine desire to honor Umar’s memory
- Feeling obligated to channels that supported them
- Processing grief in their own way
Critics argue that grief can cloud judgment, and media professionals should protect families rather than book them for shows.
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