Former Pakistan cricketer and captain Shahid Afridi has again landed himself in the news with his inflammatory statements against India. At a rally in Karachi on “Youm-e-Tashakur” (Day of Gratitude), Afridi made a string of daring statements, blaming India for starting hostilities and stating that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi now knows the “cost” of taking on Pakistan.
Accusations Against India and Modi
Afridi’s statement, “Never Attacked Civilians” was made following a fatal terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that has further raised tensions between the two nations.
Addressing the rally, the ex-all-rounder claimed that India had initiated the first attack and that it was inevitable for India to “bear the consequences.” He went on to add that Indian military activities had led to children being martyred and civilian localities being razed to the ground, including mosques.
Shahid Afridi Hails Pakistan’s Military Action
In his address, Shahid Afridi lauded Pakistan’s military for their harsh action, applicable to India’s military behavior. He described the military as “unbreakable” and stated that they had carried out their work with success, showing that they had “silenced” India at this moment.
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His words arguably represent a shift towards growing nationalist impulses in Pakistan, as Afridi presented a nationalistic moment to punctuate the theme of strength as a symbol of resistance to outside threats.
Fights Over Military Strikes
Area-actor Afridi’s statements are released amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, not least after Indian forces struck several air bases inside Pakistan and contended these strikes were a response to Pakistan’s support for terrorism.
Potential air strikes were captured in photographs, Pakistan’s Indian Captain himself photographed, informing the world of India’s terror in operation against Pakistan’s military installations that included targeting air defense systems and radar systems.
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Lahore was targeted when this occurred. Afridi continued to justify Pakistan’s military intervention, and touted the need for military operations by stating it was a safeguard to protect against the aggression by India was not clear at all.
Afridi’s Provocative Stance on India-Pakistan Conflict
Shahid Afridi’s comments continue to divide opinion and stir controversy in the region. His incendiary comments are a product of the growing tensions between Pakistan and India, with the two sides darting accusations of aggression and sabotage against each other in hindering peace.
Being one of the most high-profile cricket stars in the country and having considerable clout amongst the nationalist elements in Pakistan, Afridi’s words are very important, but unfortunately, his words will likely create further divisions in an already incendiary India-Pakistan relationship.
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