As Pakistan and India finally agreed to cease fire on Saturday, local celebs rallied behind our valiant armed forces. In a moment of intense geopolitical drama, Pakistan launched a retaliatory military campaign early Friday morning, Operation Bunyan un Marsoos, targeting key Indian air and military installations.
The operation's name is derived from a verse in the Holy Quran, meaning "a wall made of molten lead," symbolising strength, unity, and invulnerability. The retaliation comes in the wake of India's recent missile attacks in various civilian areas across Punjab and Sindh. While the military manoeuvre has dominated global headlines, it has also sparked a wave of patriotic fervour and emotionally charged statements from Pakistani showbiz stars across Instagram.
From heartfelt prayers for peace to fiery condemnations of India's leadership, Pakistani actors, singers, and influencers are using their Instagram stories and other social media platforms to extend support to the Pakistan Army and call attention to what they describe as India's aggressive provocation and political manipulation.
Actor Maya Ali posted a two-part Instagram Story that struck a balance between hope for peace and strong criticism of Indian politics. Referring to the shelving of her 2023 film Aasmaan Bolay Ga, directed by Shoaib Mansoor, over allegations of being "too anti-India." She wrote, "What I still don't understand is why all this time, we were the only ones under pressure, the only ones extending a hand of friendship while top A-list Indian actors took on roles that glorified negativity and painted Pakistan in a bad light."
In a follow-up story featuring a news broadcast from Pakistani state media, Maya added, "War should never happen. But India continues to provoke, without understanding the severe consequences. Innocent people do not deserve to mourn the loss of their loved ones."
Maya was joined by actor Hira Mani, who posted a poetic tribute to the Pakistani armed forces in Urdu, ending with a rousing note of loyalty: "This green flag is my prayer, my survival, my loyalty." The message underlined her emotional alignment with Pakistan's defence forces in these tense times.
Shameful and alarming
Known for her outspoken personality, Hania Aamir didn't mince words. "What cowards," she wrote in her Instagram story, referring to India's early-morning missile strikes. "Praying for everyone's safety. Pakistan Zindabad."
In addition to that, actor Urwa Hocane delivered one of the most politically charged statements yet. In her post, she addressed Operation Bunyan un Marsoos directly, writing: "I hope all warmongers are satisfied now! Only praying it all stops If there is anyone who still thinks Pakistan was behind the Pahalgam and Amritsar attacks, you are either blind or brainwashed."
Hocane blamed the attacks on India's right-wing government: "These are Modi's dirty games, staged to win votes and fuel hate. The blood spilled is his ticket to power." Her statement added fuel to growing allegations from the Pakistani side that India staged false flag operations to justify military aggression.
Singer Asim Azhar posted on X (formerly Twitter) and shared a screenshot on Instagram, praising the ISPR for its professional handling of the situation, stating, "Well done ISPR. Salute to all the Chiefs!" He commended their ability to expose lies and conspiracies spread by media outlets across the border. Azhar also highlighted Pakistanis' tendency to criticise their own, asserting, "We are far from being gullible unlike many others who believe everything and anything."
He praised the unity of the country's forces, noting, "It is commendable how the Chiefs of all our forces have come together to brief and present to not just us as Pakistanis, but to the entire world in front of credible international journalists in such a professional and classy manner."
Musician and actor Azaan Sami Khan joined the chorus with a sobering observation on India's current trajectory. "Religious fascism at its monstrous peak. Pakistan Zindabad," he posted, referring to the increasing influence of Hindutva politics in Indian governance.
Actor Durefishan Saleem expressed her own frustration and heartbreak in her post. "I don't know how long we can keep advocating for peace when India continues with these cowardly 3AM attacks," she wrote. "It's hard to preach peace when provocation and aggression are the only responses we get. Shame."
Unified we stand
Numerous celebrities took to social media to express solidarity and support, including Khaqan Shahnawaz, Yumna Zaidi, Fahad Mustafa, Sunita Marshall, Saba Qamar, Asad Siddiqui, Sana Javed, and Usman Mukhtar. Each of them shared "Pakistan Zindabad" on their Instagram stories, showing their allegiance to the nation.
In addition to these messages of support, some celebrities shared photos of their television screens, showing news of the military operation's commencement. Azekah Daniel, Zara Noor Abbas, and Awais Sulaman were among those who posted these images, highlighting their engagement with the unfolding events.
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