Heated debate ensued on Twitter after India writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar controversial remarks on Mumbai attacks at Faiz Festival in Lahore hit at across the border

February 22, 2023
Heated debate ensued on Twitter after India writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar controversial remarks on Mumbai attacks at Faiz Festival in Lahore hit at across the border

By Irum Saleem

Writer-Lyricist Javed Akhtar of India came under spotlight after his controversial remarks regarding Mumbai attacks went viral on Tuesday making a top Twitter trend in Pakistan.

     In a recent visit to Lahore at a Faiz Mela, Akhtar said  26/11 Mumbai attackers came from here and till today those involved in it are roaming freely in its territory.

     Replying to a question Akhtar said, “Hum toh Bambaiye log hain. Hamne dekha wahan kaise hamla hua tha. Wo log Norway se toh nahi aaye the naa Egypt se aaye the, wo log abhi bhi aapke mulk me ghum rahe hain. Toh ye shikayat agar Hindustani ke dil mein ho toh aapko bura nahi manna chahiye.”

   Further calling out Pakistan’s reluctance in showering love on Indian artistes, he reminded the gathering that though Pakistani artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Mehndi Hasan went on to become ‘cult figure’ in India but Islamabad never reciprocated the gesture by hosting any musical show for Lata Mangeshkar.

    Mixed comments made on Akhtar’s statement.

   Shahab said on Twitter: “Will never understand why Lahore elite are so complexed about “Indian literary culture” that they conflate Urdu with Indian. To the extent that Javed Akhtar is the hill they want to die on. Repeatedly. Abay Javed Akhtar ko hum Karachi walay nahin poochtay.”

  Sehar Tariq says “A little sad to see Pakistanis fawning all over Javed Akhtar- he has never been a friend to Pakistan. Wonder what prompted the Faiz Festival folks to invite him and give him a stage at this point in time?”

  Mehwish says “Literally no one buys that syrup bro. And Javed Akhtar’s parallel can be drawn with our liberal erudite writers who criticize our state in ways 99% Indian liberals cant even fathom. So please do your research before making such assumptions.”

  Maria says “When IK says there has been an elite capture he’s not only talking politics: Javed Akhtar’s easy travels thru Pak, LUMS organizing a national identity crisis day or COMSATS question on incest are markers that sentiments of d middle class have been pushed 2 an absolute background.”

  Omair tweeted “The main difference between us and them is: If someone from Pakistan was invited to India (if!) and had said something along the lines of Javed Akhtar, he might not have made it out of the venue let alone the country. Tolerance is something we have in abundance. Thank You Jinnah.” PAK DESTINY

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