Atif Aslam show draws crowd — and controversy

Fans divided as reports of mismanagement and overcrowding spark social media uproar

A concert held on November 1 at the Moin Khan Academy in Karachi has been making waves on social media for all the wrong reasons. Organised by Prism Events and Tours, the night featured singer Atif Aslam as the headliner, with performances by Asfar and the band Bayaan.

The event, however, drew widespread criticism over alleged mismanagement. Attendees reported overcrowding, poor entry control, and disorganised logistics. Several concert-goers said they waited for hours in long queues to enter the venue, while others were left stranded outside.

Many also complained of rude behaviour by the event staff. On Instagram, users shared clips and accounts of the chaos. "We arrived before 7pm, yet it still took one and a half to two hours just to approach the gate," one attendee wrote.

Another user remarked, "The event suffered from serious organisational lapses — inadequate crowd management, absence of volunteers or clear guidance, and a complete lack of barriers or entry control."

A third added, "Very poorly managed — no proper queue system, no separate lines for VIPs, influencers, pink or regular attendees. We were in line since 6.30pm and got in at 8. Many people in front of us entered without tickets."

However, some defended the organisers, saying the chaos stemmed from a larger-than-expected crowd arriving after the gates had closed. "We were on time — 5.30pm — and went inside smoothly. They had clearly mentioned gates would close at 7pm, so if you were late, that's not the management's fault," one concert-goer argued.