New Delhi: Well-known Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir has created quite a stir by confusing ‘urban naxal’ for ‘Arab nasal’ in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech from Rajasthan’s Barmer. In a video criticising Modi, Mir seems completely unaware that he misunderstood or misheard him. Instead, he insists that Modi was referring to the Arab race (nasal).
In a clip shared on X, which is now being shared widely, Mir calls out Modi for double standards.
“On one side, Modi is welcomed in Arabic countries, on the other he also calls these same Arabs with disparaging names,” says Mir in the clip.
When ThePrint reached out to Mir, he stood by his initial assessment. “He (Modi) clearly used the word nasal, not Naxalites. Please listen again. It was identified by some Arab diplomats. Their governments are writing letters to your PM,” he said.
Indian social media users were quick to point out the error. They are now busy giving Hindi lessons to Mir on X.
Also read: Pakistan court orders 80 lashes to man who falsely accused wife of adultery
Rented PTI agent
But in Pakistan, many of his followers have not understood the term ‘urban naxal’. They are criticising Mir for speaking out against their Arab neighbours. His detractors are calling him ‘rented PTI agent’ for not realising that Pakistan needs to have good relations with other countries for its economy.
“Hamid Mir is now becoming root cutter of Pakistan by passing such remarks about our brother countries without thinking that our interests are on very delicate and developing phase. Shame on you. Paid, rented vocal person of PTI,” another user tweeted.
One user even called him “schizophrenic” for not realising how important Arab countries are to Pakistan.
“Hey, be careful. Saudi Arabia is our brother country. You should look into your own (Shajra) only to whom you belong and your interests. You are a paid, vocal rented person of PTI,” a user tweeted.
Many users on X want to know why the journalist is concerned about India when he should be focusing on Pakistan’s many problems.
اپ کو 8فروری اور 9فروری کا بھی پتہ ہے اپ کو لوگو کے اغوا برائے بیان کا بھی پتہ ہے اپ کو 21اپریل کا بھی پتہ ہے مگر اپ ان سب میں سہولت کار ہے اسلئیے اپ خاموش ہے pic.twitter.com/0od5b15o14
— shah hussain (@Shahhussain4361) April 22, 2024
Adding to the confusion, numerous political commentators on X began criticising Arab nations for fostering ties with Modi.
وہ عرب ممالک جو مودی گلے کو ہار پہنائے ہیں وہ حکمران امریکہ اور اسرائیل کی ناجائز بچے ہیں https://t.co/RWJqqQNI32
— Abbas danish (@TalhaHussa50882) April 22, 2024
Mir, a senior journalist, is no stranger to controversies. His shows have been cancelled repeatedly for being anti-establishment. However, this might be the first time that his social media post has created such a storm in a teacup.