Javed Akhtar says people who are harassing Kashmiris after the Pahalgam terror attack are ‘confirming Pakistan’s propaganda’

Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has spoken strongly about the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that left the country shocked and grieving. The peaceful town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir turned into a site of horror last week when terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists, killing 26 people.
While condemning the brutal attack, he also criticised those targeting innocent Kashmiris across India, saying they were only helping Pakistan’s propaganda.
Javed Akhtar Speaks Out
Speaking at a FICCI event in Delhi, Akhtar made it clear that India has always chosen the path of peace, even when betrayed again and again by Pakistan. He said, “Every government in this country, whether it’s the Congress or the BJP, has tried to establish peace. Even Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji went to Pakistan. But what did they do? They washed the place he visited. Is that what they call friendship? How are we supposed to talk to Pakistan when they didn’t even accept the dead bodies of their own soldiers from the Kargil war?”
Akhtar reminded everyone that “To those who harass Kashmiris in places like Mussoorie or any other part of India, you are only validating and confirming Pakistan’s propaganda.”
Before his speech in Delhi, Akhtar had already spoken on social media. In a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter), he demanded justice. He wrote, “Come what may, whatever the cost, whatever the repercussions, the terrorists of Pahalgam cannot be allowed to get away. These mass murderers have to pay with their lives for their inhuman deeds.”

Ban on Pakistani Actors in India
Following the Pahalgam attack, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has also taken a strong stand. In a public statement, the film body reaffirmed its total boycott of Pakistani participation in Indian entertainment. They said, "In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world."