Shahid Afridi
Several Pakistani social media users recently alleged that former cricketer Shahid Afridi discouraged donations to Shaukat Khanum Hospital, claiming funds were misused for launching anti-country campaigns online. However, this claim has been debunked as false.
The misinformation originated from a Facebook post on July 4, where a graphic falsely attributed a statement to Afridi, urging people not to donate to Shaukat Khanum Hospital but instead give to the needy, alleging misuse of funds for anti-country activities.
This post gained traction with over 200 shares and was also circulated on TikTok and Twitter.
Fact Check investigated the allegation and confirmed that Shahid Afridi never made such a statement. When contacted, Afridi expressed disbelief at the accusation, dismissing it as entirely fabricated.
Furthermore, Fact Check reviewed Afridi’s recent interviews but found no evidence supporting the claim.
In fact, in a televised interview on July 1, Afridi publicly praised the commendable work of Shaukat Khanum Hospital.
He personally endorsed the hospital, revealing that his own father had received treatment there.
Afridi also criticized those who politicize charitable organizations, emphasizing the importance of supporting genuine causes without ulterior motives.
The false claim not only misrepresented Afridi’s views but also misled the public regarding donations to Shaukat Khanum Hospital, a renowned healthcare institution in Pakistan known for its cancer treatment services.
Afridi’s clarification underscores his continued support and appreciation for the hospital’s humanitarian efforts, contrary to the misleading information circulated on social media.
This incident highlights the significance of fact-checking and verifying information before sharing it online.
Misinformation can have detrimental effects, affecting public trust and potentially impacting charitable donations to vital institutions like Shaukat Khanum Hospital.
Moving forward, it is crucial for social media users to verify sources and refrain from spreading unverified claims that can harm reputations and misinform the public.
Shahid Afridi’s stance on charitable giving remains supportive of initiatives like Shaukat Khanum Hospital, aiming to alleviate suffering and support healthcare in Pakistan.
