Priyanka Chopra, who once lived in India and often performs the role of a ‘peacenik’, had recently faced strong denunciation from similar ‘peace-loving’ Pakistani citizens after she came out in support of the Indian Air Force and tweeted, “Jai Hind”. Pakistan expressed anguish over support by Priyanka Chopra to Indian armed forces and have demanded the removal of the actress as a goodwill ambassador of UNICEF.
“War between two nuclear powers can only lead to destruction & death. As goodwill ambassador of UNICEF, Priyanka Chopra was supposed to stay neutral and peaceful but her tweet in favour of Indian arm forces after they invaded Pakistan airspace shows otherwise. She doesn’t deserve this title any more,” the petition read.
A Pakistan woman had accused Priyanka Chopra of being a hypocrite and encouraging nuclear war in an event in Lok Angeles. She had made these accusations because, after the Balakot airstrikes, Chopra had tweeted ‘Jai Hind’.
The Pakistan petition essentially wanted Priyanka Chopra removed from the position of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador For Peace based on her support for the Indian Armed Forces.
Now, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his daily briefing on Thursday has said that Priyanka Chopra retains the right to speak in her personal capacity on issues concerning her.
Reportedly, Dujarric said, “When UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors speak in their personal capacity, they retain the right to speak about issues that interest or concern them, Their personal views or actions do not necessarily reflect those of UNICEF.”
Dujarric, however, added that the Ambassadors have to maintain an impartial position while representing UNICEF on any platform.
Pakistan has a long history of being paranoid and usually overreacts at any given situation. While Priyanka Chopra herself is widely considered as a hypocrite as she often peddles the ‘aman ki asha’ narrative, in this instance, Priyanka got chided by the very country she thinks India should maintain peace with.