Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 27: Celebrated lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar on Friday welcomed the inclusion of opposition leaders in India’s global outreach following the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that such an act was against the nation, not just the government. Speaking at NDTV's Creators' Manch, Akhtar praised the decision to send figures like Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on diplomatic delegations, calling it a unifying move in the face of terrorism.
“This is not a political issue but a national one,” he said, lauding Tharoor's diplomatic experience and articulate representation. “When it comes to the nation, we are all united. Political differences are internal matters.”
Addressing India-Pakistan relations, Akhtar said the recent Pahalgam terror attack follows a familiar pattern of denial from Pakistan. “From 1948 to Kargil, they have always distanced themselves from such acts,” he noted. He emphasised that Pakistan is not a monolith, pointing out that while its army and right-wing forces benefit from hostility with India, millions of ordinary citizens want peace and cooperation.
“There are people in Pakistan who admire India and want cultural, educational, and business ties. But this doesn’t suit the army or extremists whose power relies on maintaining enmity with India,” Akhtar said. He claimed the real power centre in Pakistan is not its civilian government but its military. “Even global leaders, including the US president, know this. When they need to talk to Pakistan, they call the army chief, not the prime minister.”
Speaking on the controversy around Pakistani actress Hania Amir's role in Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3, Akhtar said criticism was misplaced as the film was shot earlier. “Why should an Indian producer suffer? Laws can’t be applied retrospectively. The Censor Board and government should take a sympathetic view,” he advised.
Akhtar concluded by stressing the importance of encouraging pro-India voices in Pakistan, suggesting that during more peaceful times, both countries should support collaborative film projects to build cultural bridges.