In pursuit of fame

Misguided youths started fires in the forests of Margalla Hills and Abbottabad

Wise persons have said that in this century everyone will have 15 minutes of fame. So in their pursuit for becoming a ‘nine-day wonder’, three young TikTokers took an ad on the social media platform too literally that people can do something that sets wildfires and this can make them famous overnight. The ad was in line with the well-known saying, setting the Thames on fire. But these misguided youths really started fires in the forests of Margalla Hills and Abbottabad. The fires destroyed a considerable number of trees. The company that owns TikTok has clarified its position in an official statement: “Any content that promotes dangerous behaviour would be a violation of our community guidelines.”

These youngsters, in their pursuit of instant fame, disregarded the significance of trees for the environment. The one who started the fire in Abbottabad has been arrested. These immature people are perhaps so obsessed with gaining popularity that they seem to have not the slightest idea how the destruction of trees is leading to global warming and bringing about freak weather events known as climate change, upsetting and dislocating large numbers of people across the globe. Those who started wildfires probably believe that fame has to be earned through means fair and foul. The social media firm can in no way be blamed for the destruction of trees. The young people’s behaviour was simply destructive, driven by their hunger for popularity at all costs. People enjoy liberty but with certain limitations. One should not shout fire in a crowded auditorium. Unfortunately, under the education system currently in vogue such things appear to have been kept out of public view.

Recently a young man after having been influenced by an online game killed his parents and a few other members of his family in the make-believe that like in the game those killed come back to life, so his family members too will be back from death. The Punjab and K-P wildlife and forest departments have demanded of the government to enact laws to punish those harming wildlife and trees.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22^nd, 2022.

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