Bollywood lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has openly criticised the reception given to Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister in Uttar Pradesh. On Monday, he took to X to express his dismay over the warm welcome given to Amir Khan Muttaqi, questioning why a representative of a group widely condemned for terrorism was being honoured in India. Muttaqi visited Darul Uloom Deoband in Saharanpur on Saturday. He was welcomed with flowers and applause by the seminary’s officials, students, and local residents. The move immediately sparked debate online.
Javed Akhtar criticises respectful welcome for Taliban minister
“I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception that has been given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorist group Taliban, by those who beat the pulpit against all kinds of terrorists,” Akhtar wrote on X. He also criticised the seminary, “Shame on Deoband too for giving such a reverent welcome to their ‘Islamic hero’ who has banned girls’ education. My Indian brothers and sisters, what is happening to us?” he wrote.
While most Bollywood celebrities prefer to stay away from politically sensitive issues, Akhtar has often been vocal about his opinions on matters of national and global concern. So far, no other film industry figure has publicly commented on the Afghan minister’s visit. Muttaqi, on Saturday, was greeted with garlands and applause. The vice-chancellor of Darul Uloom, Abul Qasim Nomani, and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani received him, while hundreds of students and locals gathered to catch a glimpse of the Afghan minister.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister’s first India visit
Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi last Thursday, his first to India since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021. During his visit, he met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and the two sides discussed diplomatic and development cooperation. Jaishankar announced that India would soon upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a fully functional embassy.
During his Deoband address, Muttaqi said, “We will be sending new diplomats, and I hope you people will visit Kabul as well. These visits may be frequent in the near future.” He also urged India and Afghanistan to collaborate on projects such as the Chabahar port in Iran, which has faced sanctions earlier. During his visit, Muttaqi also issued a warning to Pakistan.. He told Islamabad to “stop playing games” with Afghanistan amid rising tensions along the border and Kabul’s desire for an independent stance in regional diplomacy.
Earlier in the week, female journalists were stopped from attending a press conference at the Afghan embassy in Delhi. The move was slammed by media groups and politicians. In response, a second, inclusive press briefing was organised. In response, a second, inclusive press briefing was organised. Muttaqi claimed the exclusion was unintentional and defended his government’s approach to women’s education. Reports, however, pointed out that the Taliban continues to restrict girls’ schooling and women’s participation in public life.