Javed Akhtar, renowned lyricist and screenwriter, recently attended an event in Lahore and talked about how terrorists behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks still roam free in Pakistan. His statement was lauded by many people in India, including actor Kangana Ranaut. However, many Pakistani stars such as Saboor Aly, Shaan Shahid and Anoushey Ashraf are furious and are questioning the 'self-respect' of those Pakistanis, who showered Javed with respect and happily cheered for him.
Taking to Instagram stories, actor Saboor Aly shared a series of notes and wrote, ‘Koi apne ghar mein aa kar beizzat kar ke ja raha hai upse khushi se shor machaya ja raha hai aur phir qadmoun mein baitha ja raha hae (Someone has insulted your country on your own soil, and you are celebrating him, honouring him with such joy, sitting at his feet). What a shame!’
Actor Shaan Shahid also took a dig at Javed Akhtar's Pakistan comment and said the lyricist remained silent about the Gujarat riots, but was accusing Pakistan of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, while sitting in Pakistan. He further questioned who issued a visa to him so he could come to Pakistan.
Actor-VJ Anoushey Ashraf tweeted, ‘Giving respect to a guest is essential. But never at the cost of your self-respect. The way some were hanging off javed akhtar sb’s leg in admiration was a tad bit extra willingness to please. Maybe he’d be weary of his words if we’d shown him the dignity we have (or lack?)’
Actor Haroon Shahid said, ‘Saab (sir) attends a party here or is hosted by whosoever feels like they want to have fun with him but the problem that I have is about how we as a nation fail to see how we're being used. Sadly, it will go on till we give our people the business and respect!" He also tweeted, "To my fellow Pakistani's PLEASE STAND UP FOR YOUR COUNTRY!’
In the recent clip from Lahore, Javed Akhtar was seen addressing a gathering at the recent Faiz Festival, where he spoke about the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, and said in Urdu, ‘The attackers weren’t from Norway, or from Egypt. They are still present in your country, so you should not be offended if an Indian complains about this.’
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