News Desk |
Armeena Khan urged United Nations to revoke Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra’s status as the organization’s Goodwill ambassador. Chopra came under fire on social media when she snubbed a Pakistani girl who called the actress out on her hypocrisy.
Armeena’s Letter to UNICEF
Armeena Khan not only protested on social media but also wrote an open letter to UNICEF’s Executive Director Henrietta H Fore to repeal Priyanka Chopra from her status of a global peace ambassador.
Armeena Khan questioned whether UNICEF would wish to continue their partnership with Priyanka Chopra despite her repeated confessions of supporting the war. Khan wrote that the Pakistani girl’s legitimate question was discarded as ‘venting’.
“With this in mind and the repeated stance of Mrs. Chopra-Jonas, we are sure that we echo the thoughts of many people in asking whether UNICEF endorses Mrs. Chopra-Jonas’ stance on patriotism? Do you think it is acceptable for you to work with partisan partners who support war? May we invite UNICEF to distance itself from ambassadorships that are in-congruent with your organizational values and culture,” Armeena wrote in her letter.
Priyanka Chopra’s remarks prompted a whirlwind of criticism on social media, especially after India’s annexation of Jammu Kashmir following the dissolution of its Article 370 and 35-A.
“Mrs. Chopra-Jonas will be tarnished by her stance going forward, as will those associating themselves with her. Ultimately it is your responsibility, as Executive Director to act promptly in safeguarding the reputation of UNICEF,” added Armeena.
Also mentioning that “This was about power, reflecting exactly the response that the Kashmiri people meet from the Indian State. It is clear Mrs. Chopra-Jonas deprecates peace in favor of her patriotism at any cost, including human rights, children, war, or UNICEF’s values.”
People of Pakistan would distance themselves from the UNICEF if the organization failed to comply by the demands of removing the actress from her status of a peace ambassador.
Read more: Social media turned red in solidarity with Kashmiris
Not only Armeena Khan, but Shireen Mazari, the Federal Minister for Human Rights Pakistan also demanded the United Nations to remove Priyanka Chopra from her honorary status. Actor Shaan Shahid also supported Armeena’s call to UNICEF.
Several human rights activists have called upon various brands endorsed by the Indian actress to distance themselves from Priyanka Chopra. Scores of Pakistani celebrities have censured the Indian government for their unconstitutional act in Jammu Kashmir. Pakistani celebrities came forth to reprimand Priyanka Chopra for describing her act as ‘patriotism’.
https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1160994762582908929?s=20
https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1161740306657808384?s=20
https://twitter.com/ArmeenaRK/status/1161740306657808384?s=20
UNICEF needs to take action immed or it will make a mockery of all such positions! https://t.co/8BiHtQjVPf
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) August 12, 2019
Pantene, Gap, Pepsi, Nokia, Garnier, TAG Heuer, Nirav Modi, Appy Fizz, Schmitten Luxury Chocolates, Lux, Bru, & Nikon are some of the brands @priyankachopra endorses, but they & @unicef should be pressured to drop her. More power to @Spishaa for breaking silence on this
— Usama Khilji (@UsamaKhilji) August 12, 2019
This is not what you call walking on a middle ground it’s a choice it’s a mindset. Today I am so proud that I belong to a country where people and their artists don’t choose diplomatic middle grounds over humanity #WeStandWithKashmir #pakistanZindabaad 🇵🇰 #humanityfirst 2/2
— Mirza Gohar (@GoharRsd) August 12, 2019
What Happened?
Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra was attending a cosmetic event called ‘BeautyCon’, when a Pakistani fan named Ayesha Malik cited her tweet, released on February 26th, appreciating Indian Air Force for their intrusion in Pakistan, called out Priyanka Chopra for supporting aggression and nuclear war. Chopra’s appreciation of IAF’s strike in Pakistan was tantamount to fuelling a war between two nuclear states, India and Pakistan.
The conversation between the two women was caught on camera and released on social media, which unfolded into a global controversy.
Read more: Modi Sarkaar starts dreaming of “Fair Kashmiri Girls” in Parliament
“You are a United Nations Goodwill ambassador for peace and you are encouraging nuclear war in Pakistan. There is no way you are in this… As a Pakistani, millions of people, like me, have supported you in your business,” Malik said at the event.
The actor responded to Malik’s query by stating that she has ample friends from Pakistan but she is also patriotic. Adding, “So I’m sorry if I hurt sentiments of people who do love me and have loved me. But I think that all of us have a sort of a middle ground that we all have to walk. Just like you probably do as well. The way that you came at me right now… girl, don’t yell. We’re all here for love.”
Priyanka Chopra’s remarks prompted a whirlwind of criticism on social media, especially after India’s annexation of Jammu Kashmir following the dissolution of its Article 370 and 35-A.
“Whenever you’re don’t venting”. Sorry, didn’t realize that speaking on a humanitarian crisis was “venting” pic.twitter.com/OqCLgjDNa1
— Ayesha Malik (@Spishaa) August 11, 2019
Priyanka Chopra tweeted during a time when we were this 👌🏽 close to sending nukes to one another. Instead of advocating for peace she tweeted in support of the Indian army pic.twitter.com/LhbMkOW59v
— Ayesha Malik (@Spishaa) August 11, 2019