After rumours circulated on social media claiming that renowned singer Atif Aslam was opposed to performing in Saudi Arabia due to its proximity to religious sites, the artist has spoken out to set the record straight.
In an exclusive statement to journalist Maliha Rehman, the ‘Tere Liye’ singer expressed his disbelief at the circulating claims, emphasizing that he had previously performed in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, calling it “the best way of proving our opinion on the topic.”
Earlier today, several local media outlets reported that Aslam was reluctant to perform in Saudi Arabia because of its close proximity to the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. However, Aslam swiftly dismissed these rumours, calling them “funny and strange” and stating that these statements had no basis in truth.
“It is funny and strange that statements I have never made get connected with me,” Aslam said. The singer also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of verifying information before it is reported, pointing out that both the media and the artist community share the responsibility of ensuring accuracy in such matters.
Aslam’s clarification puts an end to the speculation, reaffirming his commitment to performing in regions around the world, including Saudi Arabia, where he has enjoyed a strong fan following.