A recent event held at the Pakistan Association Hall (PAD) in Dubai on 25 May has sparked significant controversy and national outrage in India. Organized by “CUBAA-UAE” a group claiming to represent alumni of Cochin University but not officially recognized by the institution the gathering has drawn scrutiny due to the prominent and active presence of Pakistani cricketers Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul. The timing of the event, amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions, has triggered concerns about national security and prompted calls for immediate governmental investigation.
While organisers tried to downplay Afridi’s involvement by claiming he showed up uninvited, video footage and photos present a different story. AKCAF-UAE General Secretary Deepu is clearly seen welcoming Afridi into the hall, halting an ongoing program to bring him on stage, and leading chants of “Boom Boom Afridi” with the audience. Afridi not only addressed the gathering but also praised the people of Kerala and accepted a ceremonial gift, debunking any suggestion that his appearance was unplanned.
In this regard, the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) issued an official statement denying any connection to CUBAA-UAE. The university affirmed that it is unaware of any officially registered alumni body operating under that name abroad, raising serious doubts about the legitimacy and true intent behind the event.
The event’s key organiser, Deepu, has previously been seen alongside several polarising Kerala-based figures. Notably, Fazal Gafoor, chairman of the Muslim Education Society in Kerala — who has been linked with gatherings in Dubai and has made controversial statements in the past, including support for the now-outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI) — is known to associate with some of the same circles. This suggests potential ideological motives behind the gathering.
Pakistan’s Information Campaign At Play?
The event took place shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack and during India’s diplomatic initiative, “Operation Sindoor,” aimed at exposing Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism. On 21 May, a multi-party Indian delegation, led by Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde, arrived in the UAE to engage international partners. Meanwhile, Pakistan seemed to run a parallel influence campaign using celebrities and social figures including Afridi and Gul known for anti-India rhetoric.
Shahid Afridi’s participation is especially concerning due to his family background. According to multiple reports, his cousin was a member of the terrorist group Harkat-ul-Ansar and was killed by Indian forces in Kashmir in 2003. This connection adds gravity to his presence at an event associated with an Indian-origin group abroad.
Despite worsening India-Pakistan relations and a recent terror attack, CUBAA-UAE went ahead with their event at a venue affiliated with the Pakistani Embassy the Pakistan Association Hall which had been booked as early as 5 April. Their decision to retain this location, even after the Pahalgam attack on 11 April and subsequent escalations, has raised red flags.
Moreover, organisers openly acknowledged their longstanding partnership with the Pakistan Association, reinforcing suspicions of an ongoing alliance with entities closely tied to Pakistan’s official channels. The event’s intent now appears far more calculated than merely a cultural gathering — potentially part of a coordinated narrative offensive designed to challenge India’s global stance on terrorism.
In a moment where the entire nation stands in solidarity against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, the recent incident orchestrated by a covert leftist-Islamist group abroad cannot be overlooked. It demands urgent and exemplary action from the Indian government.
(With inputs from Organiser)
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