India now knows provoking Pakistan comes at a cost: Shahid Afridi
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. Photo: AFP/File
Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi on Sunday praised the country’s military for what he called a decisive response to Indian aggression, saying New Delhi had underestimated the cost of provoking Islamabad.
Speaking at a “Youm-e-Tashakur” (Day of Gratitude) rally at Sea View in Karachi, Afridi said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “war obsession” had pushed India into a dead end. “Pakistan’s defence is unbreakable,” Afridi told the crowd. “Modi now realises how costly it is to confront Pakistan.”
The rally was part of nationwide events declared by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to mark the military’s response to recent Indian hostilities under 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos'.
Thousands of citizens, including families and children, joined the celebrations across the country, waving flags and chanting slogans in support of the armed forces.
Pakistan Zindabad 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/Ehs4vbDJCB
Afridi also accused India of targeting civilians and religious sites during the escalation. “They martyred our children, targeted civilian areas and mosques,” he said, adding, “We are a peace-loving people, but we will not remain silent in the face of such aggression.”
He further criticiced India’s media for blaming Pakistan for a Pulwama-style incident in Pahalgam without evidence, describing it as “50 per cent Bollywood and 50 per cent Cartoon Network.”
Commenting on Modi's international reputation, Afridi said the Indian leader was now facing criticism globally, expecially after allegedly involved in attacks on Sikh activists in Canada. “If you've attacked, now face the consequences,” he said.
Citizens at the rally echoed Afridi’s comments, accusing India of repeated provocations and expressing trust in the army’s response. “When the Pakistan Army responded, India fell silent,” said one participant. “Now Modi knows the cost.”