Asserting Pakistan's dominance over Kashmir, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) minister Ali Muhammad Khan claimed that the Islamic nation will not only control its four provinces but also the Red Fort in India's capital city, in response to cricketer Shahid Afridi's comments on Kashmir at the British Parliament.
Quoting Ali, local media reported that the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs stated that Srinagar (the capital city of the Jammu and Kashmir) is Pakistan's and that when a cricket match between India and Pakistan takes place, every Kashmiri waves the Pakistani flag to show their support. He further stated that Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir.
Ali also opined that Pakistan will become a superpower in place of the United States of America while remarking that the country can control "a lot more" than its four provinces.
The PTI minister's comments came as a retaliation to Afridi's statements at the British Parliament where he had held an interactive session with students.
In a video that has gone viral, Afridi was heard saying "I believe that Pakistan does not want Kashmir, and India too should not be given the state. Kashmir should be an independent country," while opining that 'humanity' or 'insaniyat' should be prioritised.
He further went on to say, "Pakistan can't handle its four provinces," while reiterating his belief for an independent Kashmir.
The video has been shared across quarters, including by former Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who condemned the cricketer's remarks on Twitter while sharing the clip.
Afridi, while speaking on the matter, has blamed Indian media for quoting him out of context and has stated that "Kashmir belongs to Pakistan," going back on his earlier remarks from the viral video.
"My comments are being misconstrued by Indian media! I'm passionate about my country and greatly value the struggles of Kashmiris. Humanity must prevail and they should get their rights," Afridi tweeted on November 14.
"My clip is incomplete & out of context as what I said before that is missing. Kashmir is unresolved dispute & under brutal Indian occupation. It must be resolved as per UN resolution. Myself along with every Pakistani support Kashmiri freedom struggle. Kashmir belongs to Pakistan," read another tweet.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)