Shahid Afridi, former Pakistani cricket player, and a star is now well-known for his philanthropic efforts. His foundation “hope not out” tends to help the underprivileged people. People of Pakistan claim him as a hero of (cricket) ground and humanity.
Shahid Afridi, commonly known as Boom Boom Afridi and Lala, has always made blunt remarks. When he was in cricket, he would openly talk about the issues relating to cricket on media and now when he is serving humanity, he talks about the humanitarian issues as fiercely as none other.
The human rights violation issue that has been going on since decades and has sought little or no attention is the “Kashmir Issue”. The brutal killing of Kashmiris on an everyday basis just shows that how cold-hearted our society is for decades.
Kashmir is a province on which both India and Pakistan have a dispute since Pakistan got independence in 1947. Since then, the Kashmiris are neither independent nor part of India or Pakistan. The internet is full of documentaries on human rights violation in Kashmir, yet none: be it UN, Pakistan or India have been able to sort out the matter.
In a recent interview, Afridi opened up his heart upon the Kashmir issue. He said that Kashmiris are humans and that they should be given independence. His statement that Pakistan does not want Kashmir was what created a controversy. His video has been making rounds on social media and electronic media.
Here is what the star had to say:
“I say Pakistan doesn’t want Kashmir. Don’t give it to India either. Let Kashmir be independent. At least humanity will be alive. Let people not die. Pakistan doesn’t want Kashmir. It can’t even manage its four provinces. The big thing is humanity. People who are dying there, it is painful. Any death, be it from any community, is painful,”
This statement was seen as an unpatriotic statement. However, for many, this was the most humane statement ever made. People appreciated his opinion that piece of land doesn’t matter but what matter is the people out there.
The Indian media made it headlines which sparked controversy. The former Pakistani cricket team captain than cleared on social media.
