New Delhi: In a deeply disturbing and treacherous declaration, Khalistan supporter Gurpatwant Singh Pannu has openly pledged his allegiance to Pakistan against India. Amidst heightened tensions and a strained relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, Pannu’s statement adds another layer of complexity and animosity.
In an exclusive interaction with Azad Digital, the head of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) brazenly offered his support to Pakistan. He stated, “This is neither 1965 nor 1971… today is 2025. I assure the people of Pakistan that we stand with Pakistan like a brick. No Indian army will dare to cross Punjab and attack Pakistan, because Pakistan’s name itself is ‘Pak’ (pure).”
Pannu, in his deluded rhetoric, laid down a condition for his support, demanding that the Pakistani government and its people recognize Khalistan. He outrageously described the Pahalgam attack as a “genocide of Hindus” and falsely alleged a political conspiracy behind it, accusing India of orchestrating the killings of Hindus to isolate Pakistan internationally.
“…Across the world, we will stand with Pakistan and ensure that India cannot diplomatically isolate Pakistan,” Pannu proclaimed.
In a shocking and baseless accusation, he further stated, “Those who carried out the Pahalgam incident killed their own Hindus. It’s important to understand the reason. The reason is political, for political votes. The genocide of Hindus in Pahalgam was done to win elections…” He went on to allege, “…To win elections and to isolate Pakistan, to label Pakistan as a propagator of terrorism, they killed people of their own community, Hindus.”
Pannu’s history is rife with anti-India venom. He has previously issued threats of unrest in various locations in India, including the Ayodhya temple in Uttar Pradesh. He has also questioned the Indian government regarding the killing of Khalistani Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Adding to the chorus of reprehensible voices, former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi issued a shockingly insensitive statement regarding the Pahalgam terror attack. In a video, Afridi audaciously claimed that India itself orchestrates the killings of its own people and then falsely claims they are alive. He demanded that India provide proof of Pakistan’s involvement before making accusations, conveniently ignoring the well-established history of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
Afridi, incredibly, stated, “As an ambassador of Pakistan, I would say that I have a very strong stance on sports diplomacy. Politics should not be involved in this. We are neighboring countries, we should take care of each other. However, I would also say that when the terrorist attack happened, you immediately blamed Pakistan. Things should not be this way. This spoils mutual relations. Where the terrorist attack happened, you have 800,000 soldiers. Why didn’t any soldier come to save the people? You make your own blunders, kill your own people, and then say they are alive. Don’t do this.”
In stark contrast, former Pakistani leg-spinner Danish Kaneria rightfully slammed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his silence on condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. Kaneria accused Sharif of knowing the truth, stating that he is involved in “nurturing” terrorists.
Kaneria wrote on X, “If Pakistan really has no role in the Pahalgam terror attack, then why hasn’t the Prime Minister condemned it yet?” He further questioned, “Why is your army suddenly on high alert? Because from within, you know the truth – you are sheltering and nurturing terrorists. You should be ashamed.”
The contrasting statements from Pannu and Afridi, on one hand, and Kaneria, on the other, highlight the complex and often duplicitous nature of narratives emanating from across the border. Pannu’s open support for Pakistan against his own nation is an act of blatant treachery that must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Afridi’s denial and absurd accusations are equally reprehensible, demonstrating a shocking disregard for the victims of terrorism and a blatant attempt to deflect blame.
At a time when India grapples with the aftermath of a brutal terror attack and faces heightened tensions with Pakistan, such irresponsible and malicious statements only serve to further poison the already strained relationship and embolden those who seek to destabilize the region. The international community must take note of these dangerous pronouncements and hold those who peddle such falsehoods accountable. India, while exercising restraint, must remain vigilant and resolute in its fight against terrorism and any external threats.
