KARACHI: The prolific Indian  lyricist Javed Akhtar accused Pakistan of sheltering terrorists but unfortunately he forgot that ‘Kulbhushan Jadhav’ was neither on a ‘picnic’ nor promoting ‘peace’ in Pakistan. He also ultimately forgot Muslims massacre in ‘Gujarat’ and the unending persecution of ‘IIOJK people’. Unfortunately, Javed Akhtar tried his best to turn the ‘Faiz Festival’ into ‘fiesta of dirty politics’.

 Despite teaching all and sundry that blaming each other is not a solution to problems, Akhtar did his best to blame Pakistan. This is not courage but stupidity and hypocrisy at peak.

 Together with many of Pakistani celebs, recent Faiz Festival in Lahore invited Bollywood lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar to participate. He spread jingoism when talking about Urdu and Indo-Pak  ties. Yet, he received complete respect was applauded for his anti-Pakistan sentiments and later, party was held in his honour. Statement left many Pakistani artists livid while their counterparts in neighbouring country lauded Indian veteran for it. Statements of condemnation were made by Shaan Shahid, Haroon Shahid, Saboor Aly, Mishi Khan and Resham who was seen chatting up and posting images of herself with Javed Akhtar at party. Event aims to raise awareness of national human rights issues as well as Urdu poetry, music, literature and drama. Hypocrisy didn't sit well with Saboor Aly.

Actress Resham condemned comments made about terrorism by Indian lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar at last weekend's Faiz Festival. Comments were highlighted in video shared on social media that went viral.

In video from festival, he can be heard differentiating between how India treats Pakistani artists and vice versa, attaching blame for Mumbai attack in 2008 on Pakistani 'terrorists'. Actress said she was not aware of his remarks and reiterated her love for Pakistan. "My country is dearer to me than anything else. I absolutely had no knowledge about what Javed Akhtar sahab said about my country in Faiz Festival session," she wrote. "I condemn his words. As per our custom of special treatment, we consider guests God's mercy but Pakistan is more precious to us than our hearts and lives." Print highlighted statement Javed Akhtar made regarding 26/11 Mumbai attacks, video in which Javed Akhtar claimed that terrorists are freely roaming around in Pakistan is circulating on internet.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 23 2023

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