As neighboring India battles a deadly second wave of Covid19, social media users across Pakistan have lent their support, asking the Pakistani government to help.
India is facing a severe shortage of oxygen and the recent death tolls have been higher than ever before, anywhere in the world.
Bollywood celebrities, journalists and influencers have all lauded the spirit of Pakistanis. Actor Swara Bhaskar, previously called out for her anti Pakistani rant on a talk show, appreciated the generosity of the Pakistani nation.
However, what really caught the attention of social media users and celebrities alike in India and beyond was the heartfelt video appeal by Shoaib Akhtar. In the video, the cricket superstar requested the Pakistani government to deliver oxygen tanks to India, and appealed to the general public to raise funds as well.
Actor and activist, Jaaved Jaaferi shared a Hindustan Times article about the video and the reaction to it.
Sports writer Manasi Pathak took to Twitter to call out the silence of Indian cricketers on the healthcare fiasco while praising the compassion of Shoaib Akhtar.
Nepali writer, journalist and former editor of Himal South Asian, Kanak Mani Dixit also shared the video with a snippet of Akhtar’s commitment to helping the people of India.
While Pakistan has been united in its support for the health crisis in India, we are elated about about this compassionate side of the cricket superstar!