Pakistani celebrities strongly react to the controversial statements of Javed Akhtar targeting Pakistan with the accusation of terrorism in India at a literary event in Lahore.
Several celebrities including Shaan Shahid, Arslan Naseer, Anoushey Ashraf, Haroon Shahid, Resham, and others condemned his statements and also expressed surprise at the people clapping back at his statements in the audience.
Shaan Shahid taking Javed Akhtar to cleaners said, that he knows about the killing of Muslims in Gujrat but will remain silent and now he is accusing Pakistan of Mumbai attacks that too while sitting in Pakistan. The actor asked who issued him a visa to come to Pakistan.
Inko gujrat main musalmanoon kai qatil ka tu pata hai lakin yeh khamosh Hain..or ab Yeh sahab Pakistan main 26/11 kai mulzimoon ko dhoond rahay Hain ..#faizmela isko visa kis nai dia? @OfficialDGISPR @Shahidmasooddr @MirMAKOfficial pic.twitter.com/ekmSblS5wY
— Shaan Shahid (@mshaanshahid) February 21, 2023
Resham, who was seen sitting at an after-party with Javed Akhtar, also condemned his statements and said that she did not know Javed Akhtar has accused of terrorism. She added that for her Pakistan comes first and she strongly condemns his statements.
VJ Anoushey Ashraf said, “Giving respect to a guest is essential. But never at the cost of your self-respect. The way some were hanging off javed akhtar sb’s leg in admiration was a tad bit extra willingness to please. Maybe he’d be weary of his words if we’d shown him the dignity we have. (or lack?)”
Upon landing in Karachi I notice it’s generally the men who get up immediately, start talking loudly on the phone about their work and crowd the aisle anxious to get out first. One’s busier than the other. I know you are changing the world but wait 5 mins dude. Breathe. #travel
— Anoushey Ashraf (@Anoushey_a) February 21, 2023
To my fellow Pakistani's PLEASE STAND UP FOR YOUR COUNTRY! SURE WE'RE GOING THROUGH A ROUGH PATCH BUT
Nusrat, Atif, Rahay, Fawad, Mahira hamaray hain, unn kay nahi! Pakistan Zindabad ❤️— Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) February 21, 2023
Read more: Javed Akhtar accuses Pakistan of terrorism in India in Lahore event
Actor Haroon Shahid also posted comments on his Twitter account. He called out Javed Akhtar for resorting to selective criticism when he should have also talked about India’s role too. He urged his countrymen to stand up for themselves and their country despite the country through a rough patch.
Saboor Aly, sharing her two cents said that, though art has no boundaries respect does. Ample talent is already present in Pakistan. The nation needs to recognize that and respect that first.
Aijaz Aslam and Faisal Qureshi also released their statements against Javed Akhtar.