Speaking at a private event, Shahid Afridi discussed the ongoing political crisis in Karachi. He pointed out that Karachi and Punjab needed professional supervision and “technical people” to be run efficiently. He also felt that the Prime Minister should provide funds to his own party members such that the cleanup drive could start in areas under them.
The cricketer stated that one year was enough time to assume responsibility of a post and assess the efficiency of the department.
Shahid Afridi also expressed his opinion on the governance of the city. He stated that if the local government had failed it was time for the federal government to be involved.
Commenting on the role of the mayor of Karachi Shahid Afridi said, “I have only ever seen the mayor of Karachi crying I have not been given enough power”. The cricketer raised a question as to why the mayor did not step down from his position if such is the case. He further commented that Karachi had fallen prey to political conflicts and urged the mayor to act saying, “The people are looking towards you. You are the mayor of Karachi.”
In his speech, he stressed the importance of individual responsibility of each citizen to work for the benefit of the country and to help those who were struggling. He said pointing fingers at the government is easy but people had to make a conscious effort themselves.
Responding to a question, Shahid Afridi stated that sending girls to school was as necessary as sending them to madrassahs. Regarding the Kasur incidents of child molestation, he commented that capital punishment should be executed publicly to the criminals. He further added that Human Right activists should not be bothered by this law as it was practiced in Saudi Arabia and only the country itself knows how best to resolve its internal conflicts.
