Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has expressed disappointment over the current condition of Karachi, saying that he feels embarrassed when he sees the situation of the city.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by former Test cricketer Fawad Alam, Afridi discussed his decision to leave Karachi and move to Islamabad. He described the decision as a difficult one, particularly because of his strong emotional connection with Karachi and its people.
Shahid Afridi said that Karachi is a city of very good and kind-hearted people and that he spent some of the best years of his life there. However, he added that Islamabad offers better infrastructure and a more pleasant environment in terms of weather and overall living conditions.
“I do not miss Karachi, but I miss the people of Karachi,” Afridi said while reflecting on his connection with the city.
The former cricketer also expressed serious concern over Karachi’s deteriorating infrastructure and civic conditions. He pointed out that Karachi is one of Pakistan’s most important economic centers, where billions of rupees worth of business take place and millions of people depend on the city for employment and their livelihoods.
According to Afridi, the condition of such an economically important city is disappointing and embarrassing. He questioned the tendency to describe Karachi using comparisons such as “Paris,” saying that he finds it difficult to take such statements seriously when the city continues to face major problems.
“When someone calls Karachi ‘Paris’ or something similar, it makes me laugh,” Afridi said.
He acknowledged that some development projects have been completed in Karachi and appreciated the construction of Shahrah-e-Bhutto. However, he stressed that much more work is required to improve the city’s infrastructure and living conditions.
Afridi said that completing one major road or development project cannot solve all of Karachi’s problems. He emphasized that the city needs a broader and more consistent development strategy covering roads, public transport, sanitation, drainage, waste management and other essential services.
His comments highlight the concerns of many residents who believe that Karachi, despite being Pakistan’s largest commercial hub, continues to struggle with basic urban challenges. The city plays a major role in the country’s economy, but problems related to infrastructure, traffic, cleanliness and public services remain persistent.
During the podcast, Afridi was also asked whether he had plans to enter politics. In response, he revealed that he had once considered entering politics but changed his mind in 2019.
The former captain said that politics is not his field and that he no longer intends to pursue a political career.
Afridi remains one of Pakistan’s most recognizable former cricketers, and his comments about Karachi have attracted attention because of his long-standing connection with the city. His remarks reflect his personal disappointment while also drawing attention to the need for greater development and better public services in Karachi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did Shahid Afridi say about Karachi?
Shahid Afridi said that he feels embarrassed when he sees the current condition of Karachi. He expressed disappointment over the city’s infrastructure and civic problems.
2. Does Shahid Afridi miss Karachi?
Afridi said that he does not particularly miss Karachi itself, but he greatly misses the people of Karachi and remembers the good times he spent there.
3. Why did Shahid Afridi move from Karachi to Islamabad?
Shahid Afridi described moving to Islamabad as a difficult decision. He said Islamabad has better infrastructure and a more pleasant climate compared with Karachi.
4. What did Afridi say about calling Karachi “Paris”?
Afridi said that he finds it amusing when people compare Karachi to Paris because, in his view, the city still faces major infrastructure and civic challenges.
5. What did Shahid Afridi say about Karachi’s development?
He acknowledged that some development projects have been completed, including Shahrah-e-Bhutto, but said that Karachi needs many more projects and long-term improvements.
6. Does Shahid Afridi want to enter politics?
No. Afridi said that although he once considered entering politics, he changed his mind in 2019 and now believes that politics is not his field.
7. Why is Karachi important to Pakistan?
Karachi is one of Pakistan’s most important economic and commercial centers. The city supports major businesses, industries, trade and employment for millions of people.
8. What are the major problems facing Karachi?
Karachi continues to face challenges involving infrastructure, traffic, sanitation, waste management, drainage, public transport and other essential civic services.
