Javed Akhtar, In Pakistan, Says 26/11 Attackers “Still Roaming Free”

Celebrated writer and poet Javed Akhtar’s blunt comments in Pakistan on 26/11 terrorists “roaming free” in the country and the bitterness in the hearts of Indians, have gone viral on social media.

Javed Akhtar visited Pakistan last week for a festival in Lahore in memory of legendary Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

The renowned lyricist, during an interaction, spoke about defusing tension between the two countries and said Pakistan couldn’t blame Indians for being angry.

He was responding to someone in the audience saying: “You have visited Pakistan so many times. When you go back do you tell your people that these are good people, they aren’t just bombing us but also greeting us with garlands and love?”

Javed Akhtar replied: “We should not blame each other. It will solve nothing. The atmosphere is tense, that should be doused. We are people from Mumbai, we have seen the attack on our city. They (attackers) did not come from Norway or Egypt. They are still roaming free in your country. So if there is anger in the Hindustani’s heart, you can’t complain.”

He pointed out that Indian artistes had not been welcomed in Pakistan in the way India had hosted Pakistani legends.

“When Faiz Sahab visited, he was received like a very important visitor. It was broadcast all over. We hosted big functions of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehdi Hasan. You (Pakistan) never organized a function for Lata Mangeshkar?” the poet said, drawing cheers and claps from the gathering.

Javed Akhtar’s comments are being widely shared and praised. Some called it his “surgical strike” in Pakistan.

Actor Kangana Ranaut was among those who cheered Javed Akhtar for his remarks in Pakistan.

“When I listen to Javed Saab’s poetry, I wonder how blessed he is by Goddess Saraswati. But there must be something pure in the person for God to bless them. Jai Hind @Javedakhtarjadu saab. Ghar mein ghuss ke maara (you beat them in their own backyard),” Kangana Ranaut wrote.