What happened: Upon the launch of MTJ’s flagship store in Karachi last week, a lot of criticism and a lot of applause was exchanged. All this hype about the celebrity cleric launching his fashion brand was obviously bound to attract some rumours. One of these rumors was that the brand was selling a drawstring or in simpler terms, a ‘nara’ for Rs 550.
Maulana Tariq Jamil Official wants you to know that MTJ is not selling naaras for 550 rs. Vital. Pass it on. pic.twitter.com/ig4yfbhGW7
— Salaar Khan (@Brainmasalaar) May 1, 2021
This news went viral over Whatsapp with thousands of forwards about the weirdly priced item. People questioned what was so special about this particular ‘drawstring’ and made fun remarks. This gained so much traction that the MTJ brand eventually had to respond.
I can’t believe MTJ’s social media team really brainstormed over whether they should clarify the fake naara news or not.
— k. (@carbonbuns) May 2, 2021
MTJ responds: The MTJ brand saw matters going out of control so to contain they situation, a statement was shared on their official Instagram to clarify that neither does the brand manufacture, nor sell ‘drawstrings’. They also said that everyone should be wary of fake news and avoid spreading it so people engaging in this ‘malpractice’ could be ‘caught’.
It took #MTJ management three days to issue a clarification as they were searching for the word "Naara" in English.
Thank you, MTJ for adding a word to my vocabulary.
— Kapil Dev کپل دیو (@KDSindhi) May 1, 2021
The Aftermath: Obviously, many users found the humour in this situation. One user was quoted saying how only in Pakistan can so much controversy be caused by a ‘nara’.
Only in Pakistan you can witness a scandal over nara. And then owners actually clarify it by making a public announcement. I- https://t.co/dbe8OscK1J
— Aimen. (@Lionel_Massii) May 1, 2021
Others had some punchline jokes they couldn’t contain viewing the situation.
So if MTJ ain't really selling the nara at his shop, what will happen of all those tweets…
— Adeel Azhar (@adeel_azhar) May 1, 2021
However, not everyone was happy as many saw this as something not to be joked about and were offended at the cleric’s brand being constantly attacked.