Wahab Riaz, the Adviser to Punjab’s interim Chief Minister on Sports and Youth Affairs, apologizes for driving recklessly and splashing water on bikers on flooded roads in Lahore during heavy rainfall.
His video went viral which triggered immense criticism from the public, Riaz took to Twitter to issue an apology.
Expressing remorse for his actions, Riaz wrote, “I’m sorry for what happened yesterday; it was purely unintentional and was misperceived in a very wrong way.” However, he also took the opportunity to address his critics, suggesting that there are always two sides to every story and that negative aspects tend to overshadow the positive. He called for a focus on spreading positivity and discouraged the propagation of negative narratives that could tarnish the image of their country.
There are always two sides of the coin, but unfortunately we always see the wrong one only. I’m sorry for what happened yesterday, it was purely unintentional and was misperceived in a very wrong way. Let’s try to spread positivity always and not malign this beautiful country of…
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) July 6, 2023
The video, capturing Riaz driving recklessly and splashing water on passing vehicles and motorcyclists, quickly gained traction on social media. Users condemned his careless behavior and demanded an apology for his actions, particularly considering his role as a public figure.
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The incident occurred during a period of heavy rainfall, which inundated the streets of Lahore and caused widespread disruption. The timing of Riaz’s reckless driving further intensified public anger, as it posed a risk to the safety of other road users in already challenging conditions.
Riaz’s apology aimed to clarify that his actions were not intentional, attributing any misinterpretation to the video itself. While acknowledging his mistake, he urged the public to focus on positive aspects and refrain from spreading negative propaganda that could damage their nation’s reputation.
Sports minister Wahab Riaz getting the public to engage in "water sports" to cool them off in this weather. ♥️
Tax payers money well spent. #Idiocracypic.twitter.com/6U9o8rdvrq
— Asfandyar Bhittani (@AsfandBhittani) July 5, 2023
The incident has sparked broader discussions regarding responsible driving and the responsibility of public figures to set a positive example. As an adviser to the Punjab interim Chief Minister on Sports and Youth Affairs, Riaz’s behavior was seen as contradictory to his role as a government representative.
As the video continues to circulate, drawing attention and criticism, it remains to be seen how the public and relevant authorities will respond to Wahab Riaz’s apology. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safe and responsible driving practices, especially during adverse weather conditions, in order to ensure the well-being and security of all individuals on the road.