Local vloggers have something to say about 'white-washing' Pakistan Tourism Summit

Mooroo and UKhano shed light on the matter


Entertainment Desk April 04, 2019

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senior Minister and Minister For Tourism, Atif Khan recently announced that a two day summit would be held on April 2 and April 3 at Jinnah Convention Center, Islamabad. The evening honoured social media influencers, all of whom were already present in the Pakistan.

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International vloggers such as Trevor James, Rosie Gabrielle, Eva Zu Beck, Alex, Amel Lamloum and Mark Weins were invited to the summit. However, local vloggers were missing from the list.

Many took to social media to point out the same, saying a Pakistani summit was taking place without Pakistani vloggers and the government didn't approach the local content creators first.

Mooroo (Taimoor Salauddin) and Ukhano (Umer Khan), two of Pakistan's most popular vloggers, have finally responded to the outrage. "International tourism can be better promoted by international vloggers, local vloggers love their country and love exploration, we don't need support. We love Pakistan. If we end up promoting tourism, great! Let others come promote Pakistan. It's in our interest," he wrote on Twitter.



The singer-cum-vlogger shared his thoughts on Instagram as well. "Everyday, people keep tagging me on Twitter that a travel expo is happening in which Pakistani tourism is being promoted and local vloggers aren't invited. Instead, international content creators were," he said. "I just want to clear this subject once and for all. I'm not interested in such events. The only reason I travel this country is because I love it and because I want to explore it."

He continued, "If the tourism is promoted by my videos, then that is my secondary aim. My primary aim is that I enjoy it on my own."

Mooroo further clarified he makes videos for the Pakistani audience, given its lingo.

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"There are some Indians who follow me as well but they really can't visit Pakistan given the current scenario," he added. "So, when the government invites international vloggers, who have an audience across the globe, there will be influx of international tourism."

The vlogger added, "It doesn't really matter who promotes this country. Either it'll be me or them. Why bring in unnecessary competition and jealousy?"

UKhano aka Umer Khan commented, "A lot of content creators, a lot fans and followers became emotional about the summit giving a white-washed image of Pakistan. I didn't become a content creator to seek validation from other people. I became one to inspire others to work towards the betterment of the country."

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He further remarked, "Now, those who are disappointed and sad that they weren't invited to the summit shouldn't feel entitled to that in the first place. Because if you are working for the passion and love for your country, you shouldn't really expect fame, money and fortune in return."

Khan concluded by saying, "Being a content creator is about creating an impact; not feeding your fragile ego."

The vlogger finally revealed that he was approached for the summit. He was just engaged otherwise.

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