From Princess Diana to Angelina: International public figures who visited Pakistan in dire times

With fame comes responsibility but not every person is aware of the extent of the power, and influence they hold

With fame comes responsibility. But not every popular person is aware of or recognizes the extent of the power, reach and influence they hold. Even fewer understand the grave impact their actions and attitudes can have.

Of those who do, some take a step further and avail the opportunity that comes with fame and use it for good. These international public figures, who visited Pakistan in dire times, are no exception.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie belongs to that subset. But she isn’t the only one. Gracing headlines, Jolie has been in the news for her visit to Pakistan as the country deals with one of the worst floods of its history. The mission of Jolie’s most recent visit was to tour the worst hit areas, interact with the victims and prompt the international community to take notice.

In her meetings and interviews, Jolie has been particularly focused on highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change despite its negligible contribution to global carbon emissions. She urged countries most responsible for the climate crisis to take action and offer support to countries bearing the brunt of it. Previously, Jolie also visited Pakistan after the 2010 floods and the 2005 earthquake.

Celal AL

Celal AL, the actor who played the character of Abdul Rehman Alp in the famous Turkish series, Dirillis Ertugrul, flew to Karachi to lead a charity drive for the flood victims.

Through his Instagram account, the Ertugrul star shared news of his arrival and encouraged fans to donate generously for the flood affectees. Viral videos circulating on multiple social media platforms showed the actor physically involved in unloading relief packages from trucks. Celal was also seen touring flood-hit areas in Sindh.

Mufti Menk

Zimbabwe’s Ismail ibn Musa Menk, commonly known as Mufti Menk, arguably the most loved Islamic speaker and scholar worldwide, flew into Pakistan to visit the flood-affected areas of Sindh. He delivered aid and raised awareness about the situation using his social media. The Mufti offered a glimpse of the sheer devastation to urge his followers to donate to the country. Known for his soft and funny demeanour, he was also spotted enjoying a cup of tea at a local dhaba, which he called “number one”.

Princess Diana

Diana, the Princess of Wales, travelled to Pakistan (her second visit) to raise funds for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital in Lahore. Her adoration for the poor and children reflected in her actions as she embraced the sick, caressed children and showered them with presents. The princess also attended an Eid Milan party organised at the hospital where she danced and fooled around with the attendees.

King Charles and Camilla

King Charles and his wife Camilla arrived in Pakistan for their first official visit in 2006. They travelled to northern Pakistan to pay a visit to the areas hit by the October 8 earthquake.

Natural disasters, although a time of extreme destruction, also show a side of people that restores faith in the goodness of humanity. Countries send aid, the public unites to be of service and celebrities become ambassadors of relief campaigns. People may differ in their approaches to assisting, but the spirit of goodness always prevails.