On 11th March, a concert was organized at Lahore’s Kinnaird College featuring many singers including Hassan Raheem, Asim Azhar, Risham Faiz Bhutta, Ali Arif and the band, Sami Khan and a surprise performance by actor-singer, Hira Mani. However, things went downhill after chaos broke loose at the event due to an over selling of tickets.
The concert was organized at the amphitheater of Kinnaird College which had a capacity of catering to a crowd of 2500 people. However, more than 3500 tickets were sold. This eventually led to chaos at the scene and eventually Asim Azhar did not perform at the event.
What Happened?
Due to an overselling of tickets and many entering with fake passes, the crowd soon became unmanageable. There were two entrance gates. It was reported by the onlookers that there was alot of friction between the management and the students and it was very hard to manage the growing crowd. Eventually, things got out of control and queues were broken as the crowd rushed towards the gate. Many were injured as a result. There even have been rumors of harassment; although no official complaint has been registered according to the Race Course Police.
Here is a clip from Hassan Raheem’s Instagram handle, showing the massive numbers in attendance:
Students reported that it was hard to get a refund on their tickets and they were treated poorly by the management. There have also been cases of students reported injured and bruised due to the ensuing confusion at the event. In addition, many students had to wait several hours before entering the venue.
Asim Azhar’s Apology
It has been reported that only two or three singers got to perform that evening. In fact, Asim Azhar did not perform despite being there at the venue. Asim expressed disappointed to his fans on his Instagram stories, saying that he was as disappointed as his fans were.
We are just artists who are called to perform. However, we still apologize on the management’s behalf as well.
Asim Azhar wrote on his Instagram story
He also added that his team had no idea about the ticket situation and that the management or the organizers are to be blamed in this case. He wrote, “We have also put pressure on the organizers to control the damages and get a refund for every person who bought the ticket and wasn’t able to watch the rest of the performances due to THEIR lack of protocol.”
Asim also generously offered assistance to the people injured at the event. He even gave out his email address so that the people can reach out to him.
The Crowd’s Outrage
The crowd was disappointed, furious and upset for not seeing their favourite singers perform. Furthermore, the chaos leading to physical injuries added fuel to fire.
Here is what people had to say:
“I WENT FOR @AsimAzharr ONLY THAT WAS MY FIRST EVER CONCERT GOT PERMISSION FROM BABA AFTER MUCH EFFORT.WAITED FOR 7 HOURS STANDING FOR 5 HOURS STRAIGHT,FACED THE WORST CROWD AND HE DIDN’T PERFORM MENTALLY,EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY HURT”
“Due to the negligence of management of Kinnaird college stampede occurred in Asim Azhar concert as it was bombarded by boys buying tickets in black. The sole responsibility goes to the Principal and management.”
“Kinnairds’s management totally failed today. girls fainted, it was about-to-be-stampede, harassment, and whatnot. also, singers didnt care to stop their freaking songs for a minute and ask what’s happening outside THEATRE. WOW.”
“Went for #AsimAzhar . Broooooooooo Straightly waited for 8 hours . And he didn’t even perform #kinnairdcollege“
“The concert at Kinnaird last night was a total disaster.I can’t even begin to tell how poorly it was managed.The bouncers and security were so aggressive and rude.The management wasn’t even listening rather they started abusing people who came forward for a refund.”
“Getting harassed FULL WHACK by men at a professedly ‘all girls concert’ (at kinnaird) and upon complaining to management you receive an appalling response “Jahan 1000 larkian hun, wahan 20 larkay jo karain ussay harassment nahi kehtay”
“What lack of management at #KinnairdCollege for #AsimAzhar Why would you sell tickets beyond what the college is capable of holding and then refuse entry Paise kha kay keh do full house ho gaya @AsimAzharr ??? Is this a norm at Kinnaird or what?”
“Kinnaird College if you can’t handle a single event then don’t host it!”
“Decision of not attending the concert was worth it #kinnairdcollege thanks to the Almighty”
“I told every one of the girls who asked me to attend a concert that #KinnairdCollege always mismanage the events and after selling the tickets they don’t bother anymore and you are on your own. So, now is the time for the girls to boycott every event they arrange. #boycottKC“
“If you cannot manage an event then don’t organize Kinnaird College deserve this #banconcertinkinnaird#AsimAzhar#kinnairdcollege“
What’s Next?
As of now, Kinnaird College’s Vice-Chancellor Office has confirmed that they will be filing an FIR against the organizers and managers. They have also said that till now, they have refunded Rs 200,000 worth of tickets to students who were not able to enter the amphitheater (however, many students are denying this claim and saying that they haven’t been refunded).
We hope that immediate action is taken against the concerned authorities so that such unfortunate situations can be avoided in future.
