"It’s an insult to both Arshad and the nation"
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is being slammed for “insulting” the Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem.
The controversy erupted when the Prime Minister shared a photo of himself presenting a cheque of Rs. 1 million (£2,800) to Arshad Nadeem.
He posted it after the athlete’s historic gold medal in the men’s javelin final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Seeing this, former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria launched a scathing attack on Shehbaz Sharif.
Danish Kaneria claimed that the monetary reward failed to address the genuine needs of Arshad Nadeem.
In a direct address to the Prime Minister, Kaneria took to social media, calling for the deletion of the picture.
He tweeted: “Mr Prime Minister, at least offer a graceful congratulations.
“Delete the picture of the million rupees you gave – it does nothing for his real needs.
“This amount is so small he can’t even afford air tickets. It’s an insult to both Arshad and the nation, considering his ongoing struggles.”
X users supported Danish Kaneria’s comments.
A user said: “Just look at their mentality! Why on earth will you upload a picture giving him a cheque of Rs. 1 million? Classless and clueless….”
Another wrote: “Mr Prime Minister- at least congratulate gracefully… delete your picture of giving him de minimus amount cheque. What this boy has done is priceless.”
A third said: “Shame on you for showing the world that you once gave him a million rupees for his outstanding achievement in which the government had no contribution whatsoever.
“Recommend him for Nishane Imtiaz and praise in all kind…”
Bravo Arshad ??
History made!
Pakistan’s ?? first Olympic men’s javelin champion, Arshad Nadeem @ArshadOlympian1 brings home a historic #gold medal at #Paris2024 ! You’ve made the whole nation proud young man. pic.twitter.com/zRkG3RC3ND— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 8, 2024
The photo was perceived by many as an attempt to show off and credit himself for the victory.
A user wrote: “You are the real piece of sh*t. Instead of appreciating him on his historic win you are scoring points.”
One suggested:
“Means you want to say your little cheque bought the gold medal?”
Arshad Nadeem, upon his arrival at Lahore airport, acknowledged Sharif’s influence in his journey to success.
Describing himself as a “plant” nurtured by Sharif’s unwavering support, Nadeem credited the Prime Minister’s youth festival as a pivotal platform.
He claimed that it allowed him to exhibit his talents to the world.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Nadeem attributed his recent achievements to Sharif’s invaluable encouragement and guidance.
However, many believed that his interview after his flight to Pakistan was scripted.
Netizens claimed that just before the interview, a script was given to Arshad Nadeem to praise Shehbaz Sharif.
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