Pakistanis want Priyanka removed as UNICEF Ambassador: Here's why
What's the story
On February 26, 2019, when Indian Air Force jets demolished Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest camp in Balakot, Pakistan, several Bollywood celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra, lauded the brave pilots. However, Priyanka's appreciation for the airstrikes got her Pakistani fans mighty miffed. In fact, they have filed an online petition in Pakistan seeking her removal as the goodwill ambassador of UNICEF. Here's what went down.
Attack
Backstory: IAF destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's camp, jets returned unharmed
In an unprecedented operation, 12 Mirage-2000 jets dropped explosives on Jaish-e-Mohammed's camp. IAF acted days after the terror outfit executed Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF soldiers were martyred. The jets returned unscratched but Pakistan wasn't pleased with India's "act of aggression". A day later, PAF jets tried breaching Indian airspace but timely intervention by IAF forced them to return.
Praise
Like every Indian, Priyanka congratulated the Indian Air Force
Undoubtedly, the aerial strikes filled Indians with immense pride and just like everyone, Priyanka also congratulated the Indian Air Force for their brave act. She took to micro-blogging site Twitter to share her proud feelings and wrote, "Jai Hind #IndianArmedForces". Although Priyanka, who is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2016, didn't write much, her words were enough to trigger a controversy.
Slamming
Priyanka was called a hypocrite by Pakistanis
Soon, Priyanka, an Indian by birth, was slammed for her stance. Pakistani humanitarian Armeena Khan called Priyanka a hypocrite for her "double standards on peace". Later, a petition against her was filed in Pakistan which claimed that 'Jai Hind', which Priyanka used in her tweet, was a Hindu phrase. In reality, it means "Long live India", but looks like no one bothered to check.
Quote
"Priyanka should have been neutral as a Goodwill Ambassador"
"War between two nuclear powers can only lead to destruction & death. As goodwill ambassador of UNICEF, Priyanka was supposed to stay neutral and peaceful but her tweet in favor of Indian arm forces shows otherwise. She doesn't deserve this title anymore," the petition read.
Twitter Post
Does cheering for her nation make Priyanka a hypocrite?
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
Reaction
Meanwhile, Priyanka hasn't spoken on criticism yet
Despite being trolled massively for supporting the aerial strikes, Priyanka maintained a dignified silence on it. In fact, the diva is busy completing her work commitments in India and will resume shooting for The Sky Is Pink soon. On the other hand, UNICEF hasn't put out an official statement either. Will UNICEF even react on this controversy? We doubt.