Amid nationwide outrage following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, noted lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has called on the Central Government to respond with firm, unflinching action against Pakistan. Speaking at two separate events the Glorious Maharashtra Festival in Mumbai and a FICCI gathering in Delhi Akhtar said the time for symbolic responses was over and demanded a stronger stance on national security.
While addressing attendees at the Maharashtra Day celebration, Akhtar took a strong stand against Pakistan’s alleged role in the attack that claimed 26 lives. He urged the government to move beyond limited military responses, saying, “Just lighting a few firecrackers at the border won’t suffice. We need a step so bold that even the irrational voices from across the border are forced into silence.”
He made direct reference to the Pakistani Army chief, accusing him of making divisive and inflammatory remarks. “He claims Hindus and Muslims are separate communities. Has he forgotten that Hindus live in his country too? His speeches are disrespectful and dangerous,” Akhtar added, underscoring the need for a powerful counter-response.
Javed Akhtar Slams Pakistan for Rebuffing India’s Peace Efforts
Akhtar also criticised the long-standing pattern of violence faced by Indian civilians and highlighted how repeated efforts at peace from Indian leaders have not been reciprocated. “Whether it was Congress or BJP, every Indian government has extended a hand of friendship. Vajpayee ji even went to Lahore. But what was Pakistan’s response? They washed the ground he walked on,” he remarked.
He offered a heartfelt tribute to three Mumbai tourists Sanjay Lele, Atul Mone, and Hemant Joshi who lost their lives in the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. “They went seeking peace and serenity, and instead met bullets. Their deaths should shake us awake. We must not allow this to fade into memory,” Akhtar said, adding that enemies of the nation have long set their sights on cities like Mumbai.
Speaking later at a FICCI forum in Delhi, Akhtar condemned reports of backlash against Kashmiris in other parts of India. He specifically mentioned incidents like the assault on Kashmiri shawl sellers in Mussoorie. “Harassing innocent Kashmiris only strengthens Pakistan’s narrative. You are helping their propaganda. 99% of Kashmiris are loyal to this country,” he said firmly.
Akhtar Remembers his Visit to Pakistan
He also recalled a personal visit to Pakistan years ago for a literary festival in Lahore. Sharing an exchange with an audience member, Akhtar said, “When someone there told me Indians see them as terrorists, I replied that I’ve seen my city, Mumbai, burn. The attackers weren’t from Egypt or Sweden they came from your country, and many of them still walk free.”
In a strongly worded message posted earlier on X (formerly Twitter), the Sholay co-writer wrote: “No matter the price or consequences, the terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam massacre must not be spared. These mass murderers must face the consequences for their inhuman actions.”
Akhtar’s remarks come in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, when armed assailants opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran area of Jammu and Kashmir. In total, 26 civilians lost their lives, while at least 20 others were seriously injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his trip to Saudi Arabia and returned to Delhi in response to the tragedy.
Calling it “a moment of aar ya paar,” Javed Akhtar ended his speech by stressing that peace can no longer come at the cost of silence or tolerance of violence. “It’s time to act decisively. We must protect those who seek peace and punish those who destroy it.”
