The Pakistani Cricket team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed did us proud by wearing shalwaz kameez during his meeting with the Queen of Britain, Elizabeth II. The choice of attire is in line with Pakistani culture and we’re proud of him for highlighting it so confidently.
Here is Safaraz with all the other captains during their photo-op with the Queen.
While many appreciated Sarfaraz Ahmed’s ethnic attire in a room full of men clad in suits, some didn’t. You guessed it, some desis with an identity complex were the culprits (trolls in this case to be precise).
When it comes to ethnic identity, we all need a good sense of that. A post-colonial mindset comes with more than just a ‘gora complex‘.
Every other captain, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, SouthAfrica, NewZealand, West Indies & Zimbabwe is smartly turned out in jacket & tie, but no, not the Pakistani. No sir, not him. I’m surprised he didn’t come in his Lungi-Banyan-Topi costume. How does …?
— Tarek Fatah (@TarekFatah) May 30, 2019
One such individual is Tarek Fatah. This self-professed “Pakistani-born Indian” (we have a word for that immigrant) went hardcore on trolling Sarfaraz.
Of course Pakistani and even Indian Twitter users then immediately put him in his place.
@TarekFatah for you sir
— zzz (@ii_Kanz) May 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/not_a_sir/status/1134019625094721536
Wearing traditional dress is always cool.. And that too in front of queen is supercool.. Kudos to sarfaraz..
— Prasad chawan (@marinerzprasad) May 30, 2019
Turns out his adopted home of India doesn’t want to foster him anyway (just deport him…..)
We Indians are with you
— Dr. Gooner (@Gooner_Yahya) May 30, 2019
Even the Secretary-General of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PTI) Khurram Nawaz Gandapur called out Tarek Fateh’s colonial complex. He then schooled him on what ‘culture’ is.
You brother, these are not pyjamas, this is a shalwar and qameez. Would you have the same comment if an Arab came wearing an Arab dress. Please respect the dress of others. You may want to look western. Not everyone does!
— Khurram Nawaz Gandapur (@GandapurPAT) May 30, 2019
There was a Lagaan reference as well:
https://twitter.com/witchnextdoor_/status/1134011355902742528
Again, people from across the border made it clear they understand and appreciate culture, save for that one guy here.
Well agreed. From across the border.
— Virendrasinh Vaghela 卐 વિરેન્દ્રસિંહ વાઘેલા (@vjvaghela) May 30, 2019
I differ on this. what is the harm if someone dresses in his own country's dress. why it is essential to wear suit in England? If that be so, will every foreigner visiting PM Modi, should essentially wear kurta paizama? and alternately should all ladies wear skirt in England?
— ketan Satnaliya (@kesa1917) May 30, 2019
See absolutely nothing wrong with that. He is dressed well, looks good, embraces his culture, is confident enough to wear what he is comfortable in. See no reason for making any concessions for the queen.
— INDI GO (@mrjaihind) May 30, 2019
This Indian even pointed out how distasteful those ‘lungi/dhoti’ comments are. Well that’s what Gandhi wore during his meeting with the King back then. Doesn’t make it any wrong.
https://twitter.com/ravindraj12/status/1133983612053872640
https://twitter.com/nbollapr/status/1134078653388582912
Its not surprising what Fatah tweeted. He has a history of making comments that just expose him for the hate-monger he is. We’re just glad that most people are not supporting his moronic remarks regarding Sarfaraz Ahmed.
