In 2016, international star and global icon, Priyanka Chopra was named UN’s Goodwill Ambassador for Peace. In fact, the title was conferred to her because of her extensive work in child rights for several years now. But, recently, Pakistan Human Rights Minister, Dr. Shireen M. Mazari wrote a letter to UNICEF requesting Priyanka Chopra’s removal as the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Peace. In her letter, the minister accused PeeCee of “supporting the nuclear threat issued to Pakistan by the Indian Defence Ministry her of supporting the Indian government’s decision on Kashmir.”
The controversy started at an event in Los Angeles earlier this month. At the event, Ayesha Malik, who is a Pakistani immigrant and beauty vlogger living in the United States, questioned her ‘Jai Hind’ tweet from earlier this year which praised the Indian military’s strikes in Balakot (Pakistan). Ayesha asked Priyanka Chopra why she was “encouraging nuclear war against Pakistan” through her tweet despite being a peace ambassador. This dramatic moment between PC and Ayesha Malik where Ayesha called her ‘a bit of a hypocrite’ led to a lot of hate comments on Priyanka’s social media handles. It also triggered online petitions against Priyanka. This led to Pakistan’s Human Rights Minister demanding the United Nations to take away PC’s Peace Ambassador title.
However, responding on the matter, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in his daily briefing that Priyanka retains the right to speak in her personal capacity on issues concerning her.
Stephane further said that 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,” he said, adding, “When they speak on behalf of the UNICEF, we expect them to adhere to UNICEF’s evidence-based impartial positions,” he added. Speaking about the role, he also said, “The UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors are prominent individuals who have agreed to generously volunteer their time and their public profile to promote children’s rights.”
Bollywood celebrities like Kangana Ranaut and Ayushmann Khurrana jumped to her support. PeeCee’s Fashion co-star had only good things to say. In an interview with ET Times, the Judgementall Hai Kya actress said, “It’s not an easy choice to make… when you are stuck between your duty and your emotions, being a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador sure you can’t limit your identity to one nation, but how many of us choose heart over mind every day.”
Ayushmann Khurrana, at a recent event, also praised PC and said some good words about the actress, “Priyanka Chopra is representing our country very well. She is not an Indian icon, but a global icon. Being a daughter of an army officer she is a good representative of India.”
Featured Image: Instagram
POPxo is now available in six languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Bangla.
Love all things colourful and cute? Take it up a POP with POPxo Shop‘s collection of super fun mugs, phone covers, cushions, laptop sleeves and more!
