Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Khan Afridi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday to congratulate him on the successful Operation Bunyan Marsoos and to commend the armed forces’ firm reaction to recent Indian aggression.
The meeting at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad was attended by Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar. Afridi applauded the national unity demonstrated during the crisis and praised Pakistan’s military for delivering a powerful response to India’s provocations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked Afridi for his support and solidarity with the nation and the armed forces, also acknowledging Afridi’s role in rallying public morale.
Earlier, Afridi had openly criticized the Indian government during escalating tensions, dismissing India’s accusations against Pakistan as false and condemning Indian media’s sensational coverage as exaggerated “Cartoon Network” journalism. He also called the Modi government “inept” and accused India of targeting civilians and religious sites in its military actions.
Following his outspoken stance, India reportedly blocked Afridi’s YouTube channel along with channels of several other Pakistani cricketers.
Afridi’s comments resonated strongly with many Pakistanis who supported the military’s decisive actions after Indian missile strikes in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which killed civilians and escalated the conflict. Pakistan responded by downing Indian jets and launching Operation Bunyan Marsoos against Indian military targets.
The conflict ended with a US-brokered ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump on May 11. Afridi also highlighted India’s ongoing political and diplomatic challenges, including criticism of Prime Minister Modi’s international image following attacks on Sikh activists abroad.
The meeting and Afridi’s vocal support reflect the deep national solidarity and resolve in Pakistan during a tense period marked by military confrontation and diplomatic challenges with India.