“Shame on you”: Mahira Khan reacts to Indian missile strike resulting in civilian casualties
Following a catastrophic missile strike by India that claimed the lives of at least 26 civilians in Pakistan, prominent Pakistani actress Mahira Khan utilised social media to denounce the attack and the persistent discourse of animosity and violence originating from India.
In a heartfelt tweet, Khan wrote, “I am grateful that I live in a country where I am not dictated to say what I have to. I own a voice and I am capable of utilising it. We vocalise our opposition to injustices within our nation and denounce violence regardless of its location, even when my country, Pakistan, is unjustly accused without any evidence.
The missile assault, aimed at multiple civilian regions nationwide, has incited indignation among Pakistanis and global human rights organisations. Authorities have stated that 26 civilians, including women and children, perished due to the assault, with numerous others injured. The Indian missile strike, executed in the early morning hours, has exacerbated tensions between the nuclear-capable neighbours.
Khan, who has long been an advocate for peace and justice, also addressed the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and India, noting, “India, your war and hate rhetoric has continued for many years. I have witnessed it firsthand. Your media exacerbates division. Your most potent voices are muted in the presence of genocide and war crimes—not by legal constraints, but by Fear!
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Khan’s message also touched upon the silence of powerful figures in India in the face of the violence, accusing them of being complicit in the conflict by remaining quiet. She stated, “In that fear, you assert triumph.” However, to me, that quiet constitutes your most significant failure.
Despite the grave provocation, Mahira Khan called for restraint from Pakistan, urging her fellow citizens to refrain from responding with violence: “My Pakistan, I love you. May we do the right thing. May we never stoop to that level even after this heinous provocation. May peace prevail. Ameen. Pakistan Zindabad. Pakistan Paaindabad.”
