Javed Akhtar Criticizes Warm Reception for Taliban Minister’s Visit to India

 

New Delhi:

Renowned writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has expressed strong disapproval of the reception accorded to Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his visit to India, stating that he “hangs his head in shame.”

 

Muttaqi is currently on a six-day official trip to India, marking the first visit by a Taliban representative since the group took control of Afghanistan in 2021.

 

In a post shared on X on Monday, Akhtar wrote, “I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and welcome extended to the representative of one of the world’s most brutal terrorist organisations — the Taliban — by those who often raise their voices against terrorism.”

 

The veteran lyricist also took aim at Darul Uloom Deoband, the influential Islamic seminary in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for offering a “respectful welcome” to Muttaqi. “Shame on Deoband too for honouring their so-called ‘Islamic hero,’ one of the very people responsible for banning girls’ education. My Indian brothers and sisters, what is happening to us?” he added.

 

Muttaqi’s arrival in India followed the UN Security Council’s Taliban Sanctions Committee granting him a temporary exemption from the travel ban imposed under international sanctions. He has been listed by the UNSC since January 25, 2001, facing a travel ban, asset freeze, and arms embargo.

 

India has not formally recognised the Taliban administration and continues to advocate for an inclusive government in Kabul representing all sections of Afghan society.

 

The Taliban minister’s visit sparked controversy last week after women journalists were excluded from attending his press conference in Delhi. Opposition leaders condemned the move, calling it “insulting” and “unacceptable.” Various media bodies also criticised the event’s organisers.

 

Responding to the backlash, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that it had no role in arranging the media interaction.