Ali Zafar On Javed Akhtar’s 26/11 Remark In Pakistan

Ali Zafar was criticised over his efficiency, movies of which had been circulated broadly on social media

Lahore:

Pakistan continues to endure by the hands of terrorism and insensitive remarks can deeply harm sentiments, says singer-actor Ali Zafar, underneath assault for acting at an occasion in honour of lyricist Javed Akhtar who hit the headlines along with his feedback on the 26/11 Mumbai assaults.

Mr Akhtar, who was in Pakistan for a competition in reminiscence of celebrated Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz final week, mentioned Pakistanis shouldn’t really feel offended when India talks concerning the 2008 terror assault. He additionally attended a gathering the place Mr Zafar carried out a few songs written by him.

“I’m a proud Pakistani and naturally no Pakistani would respect any assertion towards its nation or folks specifically at an occasion meant to carry hearts nearer than additional,” Mr Zafar mentioned on Thursday night in an Instagram publish with out naming Mr Akhtar.

“Everyone knows how a lot Pakistan has suffered and continues to endure by the hands of terrorism and such insensitive and uncalled for remarks can deeply harm the feelings of so many individuals,” he added.

Tackling criticism over his efficiency, movies of which had been circulated broadly on social media platforms, Mr Zafar mentioned he was not conscious of what Mr Akhtar had mentioned.

“I like you all and really worth your reward and criticism equally. However I at all times request one factor – confirm info earlier than reaching any conclusion or judgment. I used to be not current on the Faiz Mela nor conscious of what was mentioned till the subsequent day once I noticed it on social media,” the 42-year-old singer mentioned.

Mr Akhtar’s remarks on the Faiz competition got here in response to a query from a member of the viewers.

“We’re folks from Mumbai, we have now seen the assault on our metropolis. They (attackers) didn’t come from Norway or Egypt. They’re nonetheless roaming freely in your nation. So if there’s a grievance within the coronary heart of a Hindustani, you shouldn’t really feel offended,” the 78-year-old mentioned.

He additionally informed the gathering that Pakistani artistes like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehdi Hasan had been warmly welcomed in India however Pakistan has by no means held a single present of Lata Mangeshkar.

Mr Zafar was among the many distinguished Pakistani artistes who crossed over to the Indian movie trade, that includes in movies reminiscent of “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan”, “Chashme Baddoor” and “Expensive Zindagi”. Pakistani actors stopped being solid in Indian productions following the 2016 terror assault in Uri that killed 19 Indian Military personnel. On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists belonging to the Hafiz Saeed-led Lashkar-e-Taiba killed 166 folks, together with 18 safety personnel, throughout a 60-hour siege in Mumbai.

India has been accusing Pakistan of letting the important thing conspirators and planners of the 26/11 assaults stay protected and unpunished there.

(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is printed from a syndicated feed.)