Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has always been vocal on Kashmir issue. But recently, his comments backfired him as it caused embarrassment to his country. Afridi said that his country shouldn't think about Kashmir as they are not taking care of their own provinces properly.
In a viral video of the former Pakistan skipper's address to students at the British parliament, Afridi was heard saying: "Pakistan doesn't want Kashmir... Pakistan can't even manage its four provinces."
"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...What is the big thing is insaaniyat (humanity). People who are dying there, it is painful. Any death, be it from any community, is painful," he said in the video.
India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh reacted to Afridi's comment and said, "What is he said is right. They are not able to manage Pakistan. How can they manage Kashmir? Kashmir is and will be a part of India."
#WATCH: "Baat to thik kaha unhone. Woh Pakistan nahi sambhal pa rahe, Kashmir kya sambhal paayenge. Kashmir Bharat ka part tha, hai, aur rahega," says Home Min Rajnath Singh on Shahid Afridi's statement 'Pakistan doesn’t need Kashmir, as it cannot manage its own four provinces' pic.twitter.com/QA8hLvLVxJ
— ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018
After a lot of flak, Afridi had to come out and explain his statement on social media.
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