As an aftermath of the Pulwama attack and crossing the LOC, Indian celebrities took to social media with a #JayHind parade and support for their nation and its decision to attack. The constant hate thrown in by Bollywood actors and media has urged our celebrities to pitch in with their voice, and their reactions all vary from supporting the government to strike back, to advocating peace on an international level.
Following the recent turn of events between the two countries, the social media is striving to keep up on both ends. While some are making memes to make light of the situation, others are expressing their solidarity with the government. Amidst these, there are some who still fully support peace between the two nations, and are trending the hashtag #SayNoToWar. Read on to find out what side of the spectrum your favourite celebrities stand on.
Fatima Bhutto started off by saying there is nothing uglier than people cheering for war, and collectively prayed for people in both the countries.
There is nothing uglier than people cheering for war.
— fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) February 26, 2019
I pray for peace for India and Pakistan.
— fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) February 26, 2019
Mahira Khan agreed with the no-war stance, and hoped for rightful sense to prevail in the countries. Whereas, Shaan Shahid responded with how people who don’t cheer for freedom are uglier.
Nothing uglier. Nothing more ignorant than cheering for war. May sense prevail.. Pakistan zindabad. https://t.co/sH0VGGAERC
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) February 26, 2019
There is nothing uglier ,when people don’t cheer for freedom
— Shaan Shahid (@mshaanshahid) February 26, 2019
In fact, Shaan Shahid had more to say on the matter, especially in terms of broadcasting Indian content in Pakistani cinemas.
https://twitter.com/mshaanshahid/status/1100445148431962112
Armeena Rana Khan also happened to be one of the few who seconded Bhutto’s stance, while also calling out Indian celebrities on their hate-mongering, hypocritical behaviour.
https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1100482592904744961
https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1100308095253778432
WHAT?!!! But aren’t you supposed to be a Good Will ambassador for @UNICEF? Screen shot this everyone and next time she speaks up for peace and goodwill. Let’s remind her of this hypocrisy. https://t.co/Jew88bMtYv
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) February 26, 2019
This led Mansha Pasha, Fahad Mustafa, Mawra Hocane, and a bunch of other prominent figures to also stand in accord with those raising their voice against war.
It is supremely sad to see artists on both sides of the war propogating war, clashes, and hysteria.
Artists as a community throughout history were known to be a BRIDGE, to propogate peace by showing all humans to have the same emotions, feelings, concerns! #Pakistan #India— manshapasha (@manshapasha) February 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/fahadmustafa26/status/1100360242955800576
“There can be NO winners in war if we value Human Life at all.“
Christopher Holliday.
It’s time we understand this as humans.The media needs to take charge & stop being provocative. It’s our duty to inculcate peace & use our words for better & not worse.
Praying for peace always!— MAWRA HOCANE (@MawraHocane) February 26, 2019
Iqrar-ul-Hassan Syed believed that while peace should be the utmost priority, fighting back in time of need is also crucial.
ہمیں امن کے لئے آخری حد تک جانا چاہئیے لیکن اگر جنگ مسلط کی گئی تو پھر ہم لڑائی میں بھی آخری حد تک جائیں گے۔ ہم اپنی آئیندہ نسلوں کو جنگ کی آگ میں نہیں جھونکنا چاہتے لیکن کوئی راستہ نہ چھوڑا گیا تو ہم اپنے بچوں کے لئے بزدلی کی داستانیں نہیں چھوڑیں گے۔۔۔#PakistanZindabad
— Iqrar ul Hassan Syed (@iqrarulhassan) February 26, 2019
Moreover, Hadiqa Kiani, Zaid Ali, and Hareem Farooq emphasized on the importance of human lives, and how no situation or circumstance is worth all the bloodshed.
For the record, I have a 20 year career exclusively from my Pakistani songs. I have nothing to gain from India nor am I on any payroll. But I know what matters in this world and that is peace and understanding. NO human life is worth losing.
— Hadiqa Kiani (@Hadiqa_Kiani) February 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/Za1d/status/1100440049554866176
War is no victory for anyone – end of the day only human lives are lost no matter which side you belong to ‼️
— Hareem Farooq (@FarooqHareem) February 26, 2019
Feroze Khan also pitched in and showed some support for the Pakistani Army.
https://twitter.com/ferozekhaan/status/1100326611939983361
On the other hand, Quratulain Baloch and Ahmad Ali Butt showed support for the need for retaliation.
Never thought I’d say this since peace is foremost but I guess it’s time to retaliate. https://t.co/0SJt9Ts9lO
— Quratulain Balouch (@Quratulainb) February 26, 2019
Make no mistake #pakistan comes first. I stand with my Nation, PM, People & my country, anyone who is a threat to us will face our wrath. I'm all for peace but if your dealing with blind rage and stupidity then a hard slap on their face is the answer #PakistanArmy @ImranKhanPTI
— Ahmad Ali Butt (@ahmedaliB) February 26, 2019
Even Hamza Ali Abbasi and Faysal Qureshi couldn’t help but post a couple of tweets in a mocking tone.
#Balakot WELL DONE INDIA! Much improvement from the fake "Surgical Strike" claim. This time yes IAF aircraft crossed LOC 4 to 6 miles at 2.55am & had to retreat at 2.59am due to PAF scrambling dropping the load on the way martyring our trees. But now, Pakistan MUST retaliate. pic.twitter.com/bSD8ryIOk0
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) February 26, 2019
#IndianFailedStrike In more than a decade, even USA in Afghanstn couldn't kill 350+ jihadis in one go. LOL… Kina gives u an idea abt wht Indians think a "Terrorist Camp" is….basically hundreds of terrorists just chilling & hanging out waiting to be massacred. Wow! *Slow Clap*
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) February 26, 2019
We don’t want war per sir pe parhi tou ayesa jawab aye ga k …….Chalo nahi ladhtay …aik ghantay ki race karwa lo hamary #pm sey apny pm ki #kesadiya
— Faysal Quraishi (@faysalquraishi) February 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/faysalquraishi/status/1100358661233434624
With that said, nearly all local celebrities lauded the Pakistani forces for responding accordingly and bravely. And now one can only hope for the authorities to resolve the ongoing issues in an amicable manner.
