Amid the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has sparked outrage with his actions and controversial statements. Afridi, who had previously made disparaging remarks about the Indian Army during heightened tensions, has now crossed a line with his post-ceasefire behavior, which many are calling shameful.
Shahid Afridi's 'Victory Rally' in Karachi
A video of Afridi celebrating the ceasefire has gone viral on social media, showing the former cricketer roaming the streets of Karachi with a large crowd. The video captures Afridi leading what he calls a "victory rally" at Sea View, Karachi, in support of the Pakistani army. The rally included young people following Afridi on motorcycles and in cars, waving Pakistani flags as they drove through the streets.
This display of jubilation, however, has been widely criticized on social media. Many people are accusing Afridi of delusional behavior, as he seems to be celebrating a ceasefire—an act of peace—as a personal victory. Social media users have expressed their displeasure, labeling his actions as shameless, especially considering the context of the ceasefire that followed a period of tension and violence.
Afridi's Controversial Statements and Reactions
Shahid Afridi's comments throughout the recent border tensions between India and Pakistan have also drawn significant attention. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Afridi controversially blamed the Indian Army for the incident, a claim that was widely discredited. He suggested that Pakistan should not be blamed for the attack without an investigation, despite evidence linking the attack to Pakistan-based terrorists.
In response to Afridi’s statements, India took strong action, leading to the ban of his YouTube channel in India, further intensifying the controversy surrounding him.
The Context of the Ceasefire
The ceasefire between India and Pakistan came after a period of heightened military activity, particularly after Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian Army following the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan had been attempting to escalate tensions further with a potential attack, but the Indian Army’s actions prompted a response. Pakistan's DGMO then reached out to India, requesting a ceasefire, which was agreed upon on Saturday at 3 pm. Despite the ceasefire being a diplomatic and military de-escalation, Afridi’s rally has been viewed by many as a misguided attempt to turn a moment of peace into a partisan victory.
Afridi’s behavior and statements are now further deepening the divide between the two nations, making it harder for the peace efforts to be taken seriously by people on both sides.
