Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif was brutally trolled on social media when India carried out Operation Sindoor—a series of surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. The May 7 Indian strikes killed some terrorists in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Although PM Shehbaz Sharif addressed the nation on May 8 and vowed vengeance for the bloodshed, his demeanor, voice, and cadence prompted global condemnation from his own citizens.
PM Shehbaz Sharif was ridiculed by many Pakistanis as sounding dull, ill-prepared, and hesitant, casting doubts over his leadership during the most trying time. His inability to speak clearly and assertively has provided another reason for global embarrassment for Islamabad.
PM Vows Revenge But Fails to Inspire Confidence
PM Shehbaz Sharif vowed a stern retaliation, saying, “India will pay for today’s attacks… We will take revenge for every Pakistani drop of blood.” But the nation remained unconvinced by his words. His slow speech rate and lack of concrete assurances left everyone in despair. Citizens flooded social media with his weak and unpersuasive appearance. For a post-strike leader, his inability to take charge was the talk of the day.
Social Media Explodes in Sarcasm and Mockery
The backlash was immediate and biting. A user commented, “PM Shahbaz looks underconfident and weak—it’s not a good look. Just saying.” Others ridiculed his delivery, remarking that his speech rate was so slow that “the war will end before he finishes.” Hashtags started trending, and ridicule came from all corners of Pakistan’s online universe.
There were questions from some of the users regarding the very purpose of the address. “Shahbaz Sharif ko sun kar lag raha hai bas itni he retaliation dikhani thi,” one user wrote, insinuating the speech was mere lip service.
Growing Leadership Crisis in Pakistan
Critics went beyond body language. Some called PM Shehbaz Sharif cowardly. “He didn’t even state India clearly… unbelievable,” a user wrote, upset about the lack of direction. Another said the “cliched speech clearly demonstrated there is no plan to retaliate.”
This is a reflection of a wider leadership gap in Pakistan. The uncertain tone of Sharif, combined with increasing pressure from the people, is a reflection of the vulnerability of today’s political narrative. When great leadership was needed at this time, the speech instead reflected the increasing gap between public promises and the aspiration of the people.
Global Perception and Domestic Pressure Mount
While India was basking in the precision and restraint of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan was dealing with public outrage. The optics are important. While India was flaunting strategic acumen, Pakistan’s national address turned into a meme-fest. The incident could shape global perception, presenting Pakistan as reactive and rudderless in the face of provocation.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s administration now confronts not only India’s strategic advantage, but also increasing discontent from its own citizens. In a period of war, leadership has to appear strong. Sharif failed the test—at least as far as his citizens are concerned.
