Lala just claimed Kashmir should be made an independent country and people are PISSED
Known for his controversial remarks and humor, Shahid Afridi has yet again landed himself in hot waters due to his comments on the Kashmir issue.
He was invited to a Parliamentary session in the UK and touched this dispute while addressing the House of Commons in London. Needless to say, a video of him making such claims went viral quite immediately and outrage broke out on Twitter.
ہم سے چار صوبے نہیں سنبھالے جا رہے کشمیر کو کیسے سنبھالیں گے” انسانیت کے نام پر بھارت اور پاکستان "کشمیر" کو چھوڑ دیں اور کشمیریوں کو اپنے مستقبل کا فیصلہ کرنے دیں، شاہد آفریدی نے خودمختار کشمیر کی حمایت کر دی! pic.twitter.com/Ujwbs1E3Y8
— Abdul Qadir (@AbdulqadirARY) November 14, 2018
In the video, he can be clearly heard saying that Pakistan doesn’t want Kashmir and that it shouldn’t be given to India either and instead be made completely independent for the sake of promoting humanity. He further went on to say that Pakistan couldn’t even manage its four provinces.
The backlash caused by these statements was IMMENSE, to say the least.
Some accused him of being an attention seeker
#ShahidAfridi The problem is that u r attention seeker n who knows better then u n meera how to be in media. Lets say it was out of context even then there is a famous saying first think then speak but in ur case first think then bark @SAfridiOfficial
— MERSEYSIDE (@merseyside) November 14, 2018
While others asked him to stay in his lane and not speak about matters he wasn’t well-versed in
I will strongly urge #ShahidAfridi NOT to peddle into domains that do not belong to him. His comments of "freedom" are an absolute insult to millions of Kashmiris who fight, die & are buried every day for the last 70 years for this Green Crescented flag! pic.twitter.com/zIx3uvX87F
— Zaid Hamid (@ZaidZamanHamid) November 14, 2018
Despite the backlash, there were still quite a few people who came out to appreciate his devotion to ensuring humanity prevailed.
I stand with #ShahidAfridi . He has spoken the truth. An independant #Kashmir is the most suitable option for Kashmiris. Brave of @SAfridiOfficial to speak the truth!
— ENGIYAH (@yasiralihamza) November 14, 2018
Only Shahid Afridi has the nerve to play that shot… welldone Lala. Islam is the best preacher of humanity.#shahidafridi pic.twitter.com/ErXtGwXxpl
— Khan Imdad (@Leishamaniology) November 14, 2018
No one should be hurt by the statement of shahid Afridi. There is no harm in what he said pic.twitter.com/gzvdIDFvaY
— Saddam Owaisi (@SaddamOwaisi99) November 15, 2018
Afridi, realizing how wrongly his words were being perceived, then issued a statement on Twitter saying ‘’My comments are being misconstrued by Indian media! I’m passionate about my country and greatly value the struggles of Kashmiris. Humanity must prevail and they should get their rights.’’
My comments are being misconstrued by Indian media! I'm passionate about my country and greatly value the struggles of Kashmiris. Humanity must prevail and they should get their rights.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 14, 2018
He further explained that the clip was incomplete and taken out of context.
My clip is incomplete & out of context as what I said before that is missing.Kashmir is unresolved dispute & under brutal Indian occupation. It must be resolved as per UN resolution. Myself along with every Pakistani support Kashmiri freedom struggle. Kashmir belongs to Pakistan.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 14, 2018
The Kashmir issue is one that has only increasingly strained the relationship between Pakistan and its neighbor i.e., India. It has led to severe violence and bloodshed since the separation of the two countries and continues to take more and more lives every year. As essential as it is to resolve this matter in a humane manner, Afridi’s choice of words was quite susceptible to be misplaced and perceived in a negative manner by the general public who often chooses to react without digging for the full story.
It is, however, quite commendable to see Lala not take back his words and encourage people to view the full story before lashing out, despite how tense the situation got.
The full video of what occurred can be viewed here
The full video of the Kashmir Issue being addressed by Shahid Afridi at yesterday’s Parliament session being manipulated by the Indian Media #ShahidAfridi pic.twitter.com/CeH2bCiVLG
— UCL Pakistan Society (@uclupaksoc) November 14, 2018
