Pakistani actors call for peace as tensions with India escalate

Pakistani actors advocated peace and slammed Indian celebrities as they cheered for war and lauded the Indian forces for violating the Line of Control (LoC).

Mahira Khan, Mawra Hocane, Hareem Farooq, Hadiqa Kiani and Armeena Khan were among others who spoke up against war.

Mahira Khan praised Prime Minister Imran Khan's speech inviting India for talks and said, "Proud of the words spoken by my PM @imrankhan.pti Thank you for countering war hysteria with sensibility. We stand united behind you! Let us not lose more children of our countries, on either side. Hoping and praying for peace. Pakistan Zindabad."

Earlier, Mahira tweeted, "Nothing uglier. Nothing more ignorant than cheering for war. May sense prevail.. Pakistan Zindabad."

Sanam Saeed tweeted, ""There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people."

Mawra Hocane quoted Christopher Holliday and said, "There can be NO winners in war if we value human life at all.“

"It’s time we understand this as humans.The media needs to take charge and stop being provocative. It’s our duty to inculcate peace and use our words for better and not worse. Praying for peace always!" she added.

Armeena Rana Khan in a series of tweets advocated peace and called out Bollywood actors for their "hypocrisy". "It is easy to advocate peace whilst the sun shines. When the storm rages, it is then your character, principles & values are tested. Will you turn your face into the wind and stand by what is right or will history find you wanting?” she wrote.

She also quoted Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra's tweet and slammed her for lauding Indian forces. "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," she tweeted.

In another tweet, Armeena said, “I’m watching some of these Bollywood accounts in dismay, glorifying war. People should take note: In the future, these particular individuals shouldn’t be allowed to preach peace to the world. Artists are supposed to be sane, pacifying voices.” 

Hareem Farooq also tweeted saying, "War is no victory for anyone - end of the day only human lives are lost no matter which side you belong to‼️"

Singer Hadiqa Kiani also called for peace. "We need peace! We need words! We need to grow and not regress! There is nothing exciting or spectacular about war, we are talking about REAL HUMAN lives."

Actor Fahad Mustafa said, "War does not determine who is right ..Only who is left. Say no to war"

Sajal Aly urged, "War shouldn’t be against two religions nor two nationalities but against the evil that puts us against each other. We should be fighting against poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, disease, & terrorism That is what we need. War should be off the table. Forever."

Quoting Margaret Atwood, Osman Khalid Butt tweeted, "'War is what happens when language fails'. Let the language of desiring peace, of reaching solutions through dialogue, not fail us now. Looking at you, India."

Comedian Zaid Ali tweeted, "Anyone who is encouraging war between Pakistan and India should be taken out of their house and be forced to fight the war themselves. Tweet karna bohat asaan hai, but for once think of the all the soldiers that die unnecessarily because of this. #PakistanZindabad."

Indian military aircraft violated the LoC  on Tuesday as they "intruded" from the Muzaffarabad sector and were forced to return owing to the timely response of the Pakistan Air Force.

The NSC had rejected Indian claims of targeting an alleged terrorist camp near Balakot and said that Pakistan will decide the time and place of response to the aggression.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor on Tuesday also warned India that it was time to "wait for our surprise".