ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Diamer-Bhasha dam just got a global endorsement with US singer Akon rooting for its cause.
Following a recent announcement that he will be performing in Lahore and Karachi later this year for the World Soccer Stars tournament, the A-lister celebrity asked Pakistanis to be generous toward the fund, in a widely-shared video.
The fund for the dam has been a constant fixture in the media with major hoardings across the cities asking citizens to donate and a number of celebrities supporting the cause.
However, the ‘I Wanna Love You,’ ‘Locked Up,’ ‘Smack That,’ and ‘Chamak Chalo,’ singer is perhaps the first globally-recognized celebrity to throw his weight behind the initiative.
“This is a special message from me to Pakistan,” Akon begins before citing United Nations statistics on Pakistan’s water crisis which is getting worse by the day.
“I’m encouraging Pakistanis and all Pakistanis around the world to support this Bhasha and Mohmand dams. I am in support and support the development of all these dams,” he said, before urging people to “mobilize Pakistan into a better future along with the world’s superstars.”
People of #Pakistan @Akon wants YOU to start contributing for the construction of Bhasha Dam Fund. Let’s protect our future @touchskygroup #wssofficial2019 #UnitedForFootball #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/yOOJH0896n
— WORLDSOCCERSTARS (@WSSOFFICIAL2019) January 14, 2019
The video seems to be shot at the same time as another of him shouting out to Prime Minister Imran Khan where he says, “Yo Imran its your boy Akon.” Akon is standing against the same background and wearing the same clothes.
The video has gone viral on social media with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party thanking Akon for backing the initiative.
Thanks @Akon for the amazing message for PM Pakistan @ImranKhanPTI
International celebrities touring Pakistan isn’t a far-fetched notion anymore. PTI SMT warmly welcomes renowned singer Akon to the Land of Hospitality, the Land of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/GpxVmBqAJX— Tehreek-e-Insaf (@InsafPK) January 12, 2019
Culture journalist Rafay Mahmood’s post where he wrote, “[Akon] has requested fans in Pakistan to contribute to the dam fund. I am NOT kidding,” with the video attached, has been retweeted more than 60 times.
“What a time to be alive,” wrote journalist Sophia Saifia where she followed it up with, “I can’t.”
The video also received criticism for both Akon and the government, with PM Khan’s administration dealing with negative comments pertaining to the fund ever since he assumed office in August last year.
