Afridi hails armed forces bravery in meeting with PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD – Former cricket star Shahid Afridi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House on Saturday, where he praised the country’s armed forces and expressed solidarity with the nation in the wake of recent tensions with India.

Afridi congratulated the Prime Minister on the success of Operation Bunyan um Marsoos, which was launched in response to Indian missile strikes earlier this month. The meeting was also attended by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

Speaking during the meeting, Afridi commended the military’s “resolute and professional” response to Indian aggression and lauded national unity during what he called “a critical moment for Pakistan.” He emphasised that Pakistan stood strong and gave a firm message to the world.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Afridi’s support and applauded the cricketer for joining the public in voicing unwavering confidence in the country’s armed forces. The PM also thanked him for his participation in the government-declared Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitude) rally, which drew thousands of supporters across the country.

Earlier, Afridi had strongly criticised India’s actions following the deadly Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) that claimed 26 lives. India blamed Pakistan without presenting evidence—prompting Afridi to call it a “false flag operation” by the Modi administration.

In a speech at a public rally in Karachi, Afridi accused Indian forces of targeting civilians and religious sites, including mosques, and called India’s threats “hollow.” He mocked Indian news coverage as “Cartoon Network journalism,” suggesting it stoked conflict instead of promoting peace.

As tensions escalated, Afridi’s YouTube channel, along with those of other Pakistani figures like Shoaib Akhtar and Rashid Latif, was reportedly blocked in India. Despite this, Afridi’s bold stance resonated with many in Pakistan, reinforcing his image as an outspoken national figure.

The standoff saw major diplomatic fallout including cancelled visas, suspended treaties, and retaliatory airstrikes. The situation de-escalated following U.S.-brokered ceasefire talks, announced by President Donald Trump on May 11.