New Delhi: Actor and singer Ali Zafar has joined the list of Pakistani celebrities who have slammed writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar for his comments about the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at the Faiz Festival in Lahore last week. Interestingly Ali had hosted Javed Akhtar at his house and had even shared video of the gathering on Twitter.
Ali took to his Instagram Stories and said that Javed Akhtar's remarks could ‘deeply hurt the sentiments’ of people. He wrote, “Guys, I love you all and truly value your praise and criticism equally. But I always request one thing – verify facts before reaching any conclusion or judgement. I was not present at the Faiz Mela nor aware of what was said until the next day when I saw it on social media. I am a proud Pakistani and naturally no Pakistani would appreciate any statement against its country or people specially at an event meant to bring hearts closer than further. We all know how much Pakistan has suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of terrorism and such insensitive and uncalled for remarks can deeply hurt the sentiments of so many people.”
Earlier, Ali had posted about hosting Javed Akhtar at a party. Sharing a video, he had written, “It was an honour to host him. I have always believed art & music transcends boundaries and is the best way to bring people together. Love is the ONLY way to peace. Thank you @Javedakhtarjadu sahab for gracing us with your presence. Thank you Faiz sahab for keeping us connected.”
Ali also posted another story where he pointed out double standards of a few people who criticised him on social media but were also complaining of not being invited to the party. He wrote, “Not everyone but some use such occasions to attack and exploit too. Was quite amusing when some posing to be heroes and patriots on social media, messaging me behind the scene complaining why they weren't invited. Hypocrisy is also at its peak here. Beware.”
For the unversed, Akhtar has said that the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks are still roaming free in Pakistan.
While addressing the audience in Pakistan, Javed Akhar was asked whether he will take back with him messages of peace, and tell Indians that Pakistanis welcomed him with love. He replied, ““Let us not blame each other. That won’t solve issues. Jo garam hai fiza, woh kam honi chahiye. Hum toh Bambaiye log hain. Hamne dekha wahan kaise hamla hua tha. Wo log Norway se toh nahi aaye the naa Egypt se aaye the, wo log abhi bhi aapke mulk me ghum rahe hain. Toh ye shikayat agar Hindustani ke dil me ho toh aapko bura nahi manna chahiye (The atmosphere needs to cool down. I am from Bombay and all of us witnessed the attack on Bombay. 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).”