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01 Jan, 2022

Wasim Akram wasn't exactly happy on the first morning of 2022 and there's good reason for it — hawai firing (aerial firing) was in full swing on New Year's Eve, despite the immense danger it poses to individuals near the site of shooting. There are safer ways of ringing in the New Year and the former cricketer took some time out to make a video message to remind everyone of just that.

Akram posted a short video message on Twitter to re-emphasise the perils of aerial firing. "Hope everyone had a safe New Year’s Eve last night," he wrote. "Please listen to my message carefully. If we want betterment for our country then we all need to work together to make a change!"

In the video message, Akram showed clear displeasure at the incessant hawai firing he observed on New Year's Eve Friday night, that too by youngsters. "Wishing you a Happy New Year on behalf of my family and myself," he said. " I want to make a very important request — can we please teach our kids to stop showing off. Why am I saying showing off? As soon as it was midnight, the gun firing began. Dhaa, dhuzz, dhuzz, dhaa, adey tussi Rambo therdey nahi [You are not Rambo]. Go buy some fireworks or patakhas [firecrackers] like I did last night for my daughter. Chotay anaar, chotay phuljari [small types of firecrackers], please buy these sort of things.

"Remember, the bullet that is fired up in the air eventually comes down as well and it can fatally injure anyone when it comes down. This can be your relative or some passerby on the street. I'm talking about all kinds of areas. We have to evolve as a nation and that is not happening. We're still doing the same stuff we were doing in the 70s. I hope you guys understand this message of mine," he asserted.

Akram's message was retweeted by cricketer Mohammad Hafeez, who was both amused by Akram's 'Rambo' comment and concerned about the practice. "Please listen carefully and do respond like responsible citizens in [the] future," he said.

Listen to your favourite cricketers. Realise that there are several ways of celebrating the New Year (or any other event) that don't involve fatally harming someone. Hawai firing doesn't make you cool, heroic or likeable, it makes you dangerously irresponsible and a threat to innocent lives. Like Akram said, if you love welcoming the New Year with a pop and a bang, indulge in safely playing with firecrackers or fireworks. Your 10 seconds of perilous enjoyment aren't more valuable than a person's life and wellbeing.

Comments

GreenAura Jan 01, 2022 02:35pm
We may not be Rambo. ..but you may well be, now that I think about it.
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Falcon1 Jan 01, 2022 03:02pm
The wisdom of self-promoting Wasim never ceases to amaze many of us. Every now and then, he emerges from his luxurious cocoon, exclusive enclave of upscale neighborhood - to dispense his advise to the ordinary plebians - just so they know he's still around has something to offer.
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Tariq Choudry Jan 01, 2022 03:05pm
Unfortunately its considered sign of manhood in Pakistan.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jan 01, 2022 03:26pm
He is 100 percent right.
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Nh Jan 01, 2022 04:23pm
Then where to practice and keep gun in shape?
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Learn Jan 01, 2022 05:12pm
@Nh kill yourself with it. It's the best practice
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Hashmat Jan 01, 2022 05:42pm
Wasim should start a stall of amroods , he’s starting to get on our nerves with his cliched advice
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Sayyar Khan Jan 01, 2022 06:36pm
@Falcon1 don’t forget he worked hard to earn that luxury. And what’s wrong in him giving public safety messages.
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Sayyar Khan Jan 01, 2022 06:37pm
@Nh gun range you brainless human.
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Zeeshan Jan 01, 2022 06:43pm
Absolutely spot on Wasim. Glad to see you continue to take on social issues in your own unique style that resonates with the common man.
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Taimur Khan Jan 01, 2022 07:16pm
He is right. Airial firing destroyed my car windscreen parked at home after we won 2009 WC and on new years night a few yrs ago it destroyed a glass panel on our terrace. Its not funny but dangerous.
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Sam Jan 01, 2022 07:49pm
@Falcon1 Pls take the good advise no matter where it comes from!
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AJ Jan 01, 2022 08:23pm
@Falcon1 look at the advice not the person. He worked for what he has, you should try as well!
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AJ Jan 01, 2022 08:23pm
@Tariq Choudry since the real manhood is rather feeble!
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nk Jan 01, 2022 08:43pm
Americans own and keep more than 3 Million guns at home. but in the last twenty one years I have never seen or heard of aerial firing in celebration.
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nk Jan 01, 2022 08:52pm
In 1998 aerial firing on New Years eve almost killed me as I got into my car in my home but the roof right above the drivers seat saved me.
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Nasser Jan 01, 2022 09:29pm
@Falcon1 what a negative comment…..; completely missed the message… learn to analyse
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Khanabadosh Jan 01, 2022 10:36pm
@Falcon1 but is he saying something wrong?
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Fm Jan 02, 2022 12:17am
@nk yes they dont do aerial firing they shoot each other instead
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Aj Jan 02, 2022 12:26am
@nk Yeh but you might have heard or read that they have shooting incident every month where dozens of people get killed or wounded.
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Masood Jan 02, 2022 12:28am
200 percent right !!!
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Sameer Kasim Jan 02, 2022 12:43am
Its a sign of a backward culture by needlessly firing in the air on any occasion, be it new years, marriages, festivals, political rallies..etc The police should start taking these things seriously and investigate rightaway..people dont do these things in western countries or other democracies.
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Harris Jan 02, 2022 01:10am
@Falcon1 oh no have you got an inferiority complex mate? He's the president of hd tv, director of Karachi kings and other things.
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Hemant Jan 02, 2022 01:11am
@Hashmat why are you jealous? The guys got more swagger than you.
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Syed Raza Jan 02, 2022 01:41am
@Hashmat generally people who haven't achieved much get envious of those who have....
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Rafique Jan 02, 2022 03:29am
He is 200% right!
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Ramana Jan 02, 2022 07:29am
@nk you can try in the US but be prepared to spend a long time in jail
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Amber Jan 03, 2022 07:27pm
@Falcon1 yes he and his wife both...most annoying couple ever. Talk about sanctimonious self-righteousness!!!!
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Syed Hasni Jan 05, 2022 08:32pm
Wasim Akram can say anything it will sell , I m just glad that he is selling the right thing at this time. World's best fast bowler ever seen by me and have seen few!
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