A video featuring Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has sparked a controversy on social media, drawing criticism and raising questions about the timing of his gratitude for “pre-Eid” cleaning activities.

The video, which made rounds on social media on the first day of Eidul Azha, shows a man thanking the city mayor for collecting offal and keeping the area clean. Wahab was presenting a gift to the man and expressing gratitude to him.

The controversy surrounding the video has ignited a broader discussion on social media platforms, highlighting the significance of accurate reporting and the potential for misinterpretation in the age of viral videos and instantaneous online reactions.

The video quickly caught the attention of social media users, questioning how Eid greetings and gratitude could be expressed before the actual day of celebration and the ritual sacrifice.

Some viewers claimed that the video was from the previous year, attempting to discredit the authenticity of the gesture. Others accused the PPP’s mayor of “staging a deceptive act” to prove his competence.

“Eid hasn’t arrived yet, and sacrificial animals haven’t been slaughtered. The videos were made beforehand,” said one user.

But the authenticity of the video has now been confirmed. On Wednesday, the Bohra community celebrated Eidul-Adha, adhering to the traditions of Ibrahimic rituals. Wahab visited District East in Karachi, where local residents expressed their gratitude for the timely cleaning services after performing the ritual.

Wahab also addressed the issue in a press conference on Thursday, reaffirming the video’s authenticity and stating that they had celebrated Eid with the Bohra community a day earlier.