Waseem Badami’s special Youm e Tashakkur broadcast on ARY News went viral, thanks to its biting parody of Indian media’s aggressive threats. Joined by comedian Shafaat Ali and a team of artists, Badami delivered hilarious segments.
These segments featured dummy versions of Indian anchors Arnab Goswami and Major Gaurav Arya, mimicking their signature hysterics during the recent military standoff. Through razor sharp parodies, the show exposed the absurdity of Indian media.
From Goswami’s loud, combative shouting matches to fantastical declarations about “occupying Karachi in hours,” the team captured the sensationalist tone and exaggerated graphics that dominated Indian coverage.
It also included implausible victory claims and theatrical battle scenarios. What set the segment apart was its cross border resonance. Indian viewers also engaged with the segment, with many admitting to it on social media.
A user commented, “I’m Indian, but this is hilarious,” and compared the show to Saturday Night Live. The show served as a healer for Pakistani audiences amid tension while highlighting the dangers of irresponsible journalism in times of crisis.
The sketch’s viral impact shows the program’s power to entertain and challenge harmful narratives. By mirroring the prejudiced excesses of Indian media, Badami’s team reminded audiences of the need for journalistic integrity and cross border empathy.
The overwhelmingly positive response from both Pakistani and Indian viewers signals a growing public fatigue with hyper nationalist propaganda and a shared appetite for truth told through the lens of intelligent humour.