Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has delivered a stinging retort to controversial remarks made by former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Afridi had seemingly blamed the Indian Army for the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 26 people, a statement that has drawn widespread condemnation across India.
In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, Dhawan did not mince his words, directly addressing Afridi with the message: “Kargil mein bhi haraya tha, already itna gire hue ho aur kitna giroge, bewajah comments pass karne se acha hai apne desh ki taraqqi mai dimag lagao @SAfridiOfficial. Humein hamari Indian Army par bohot garv hai. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Jai Hind!”
Afridi’s initial comments, made on a Pakistani news channel, questioned the effectiveness of the Indian security forces in preventing the attack despite a large military presence in Kashmir. He also bizarrely suggested that India habitually blames Pakistan for any untoward incident, even trivial ones. These statements have been perceived by many in India as insensitive and an attempt to deflect from the seriousness of the terror act.
Dhawan’s response has resonated with a large number of Indians, who have lauded his patriotic stance and his firm rebuttal of Afridi’s accusations. The hashtag #BharatMataKiJai has been trending on social media, with users echoing Dhawan’s sentiments and expressing their unwavering support for the Indian armed forces.
This is not the first time Afridi’s comments on sensitive issues have sparked controversy. His tendency to wade into political and security matters has often been met with criticism, particularly from the Indian side. Dhawan’s sharp rejoinder underscores the deep sense of national pride and the strong feelings evoked by the Pahalgam terror attack.
The attack, which targeted tourists in a popular holiday destination, has been claimed by The Resistance Front, believed to be an offshoot of a Pakistan-based terrorist organization. India has strongly condemned the attack and is expected to take further measures in response to this act of terror.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has also publicly criticized Afridi for his “extremist views” and urged Indian media to refrain from providing him with a platform. Kaneria further alleged that Afridi had previously tried to persuade him to convert to Islam and had displayed disrespectful behavior towards him.
Dhawan’s powerful message, “Apne Desh Ki Taraqqi Mai Dimag Lagao” (Use your mind for the progress of your own country), serves as a strong reminder to focus on constructive efforts rather than engaging in unwarranted criticism, especially in the aftermath of a tragic event. It highlights the collective sentiment in India, standing firmly with its armed forces and prioritizing national progress. Sources and related content
