As tensions continue to simmer between India and Pakistan, celebrated poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar voiced his deep concern over recent statements issued by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir. These remarks surfaced just a few days prior to the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 individuals. In retaliation, India initiated ‘ Operation Sindoor,’ a strategic military campaign targeting militant strongholds located within Pakistan and the region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). After four days of escalating cross-border hostilities, both nations reached a tentative ceasefire agreement on May 10.
General Munir had made a controversial declaration, asserting, “Our forefathers believed that we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religion is different. Our customs are different. Our traditions are different. Our thoughts are different. Our ambitions are different…” His divisive rhetoric was interpreted by Indian officials as a form of ideological support that could embolden terrorist elements.
During a candid conversation with senior lawyer and political figure Kapil Sibal, Javed Akhtar emphasized that India harbors no resentment toward the ordinary citizens of Pakistan. Instead, his criticism was squarely aimed at the tone and content of remarks delivered by figures of authority. He described such statements as lacking empathy and responsibility.
“No country is a monolith. Every citizen of a country can’t be the same. If a country’s government is bad, then its impact will first be on its own citizen… Our issue should only be with the government, the army, and the extremists. Our full sympathy should be with the innocents who are suffering because of them," he explained.
Insensitive Leadership and Misplaced Pride
Expressing disbelief after watching Munir’s speech online, Akhtar asked tough questions: “Why insult Hindus as a community? Doesn’t he realize Hindus live in Pakistan too? Where’s the dignity in disrespecting your own citizens?” He questioned how a nation's top military officer could make such sweeping and harmful remarks. He also mocked Pakistan’s celebration of historic invaders like Ahmad Shah Abdali, saying, “He attacked Muslims—yet you’ve named a missile after him? Have you forgotten your own people?”
Akhtar continued, “Your heroes are foreign invaders. You dismiss your own soil-born visionaries. Your identity is at war with itself. Your own people are not proud to be associated with you. Look around—Arab countries are banning Pakistani visas. It’s like a kid in Delhi claiming to be Shah Rukh Khan’s friend. But Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t know him. That’s your reality.”
A Story from Kargil: Honour Across Borders
Akhtar shared a poignant tale from the Kargil War of 1999 to highlight the contrast in how nations honour their soldiers. He recounted how, when Pakistani soldiers died, their own military leadership refused to retrieve their bodies. In contrast, Indian soldiers gave them proper burials. A senior Indian officer even compiled a photo album of the fallen and offered it to the Pakistani side—an offer they initially refused but later accepted informally and quietly. “Even in death, they were abandoned by their own,” Akhtar remarked.
The Kargil War, also referred to as the Kargil conflict, was a high-altitude military confrontation between India and Pakistan, fought from May to July 1999. The conflict unfolded in the rugged mountainous terrain of the Kargil district in Ladakh, which was then part of the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir. The fighting took place along the Line of Control (LoC)—the de facto border separating the two countries in the region.
In India, the military response was named Operation Vijay, meaning victory in Sanskrit, symbolizing the nation's determined push to reclaim territory infiltrated by Pakistani forces. The Indian Army, in coordination with the Indian Air Force, launched a massive operation to drive out Pakistani soldiers and paramilitary troops who had secretly occupied strategic positions on the Indian side of the LoC.
The Air Force's involvement, codenamed Operation Safed Sagar (White Sea), played a critical role in providing aerial reconnaissance and launching precision strikes on enemy bunkers hidden among the steep, snow-covered cliffs. Despite the harsh terrain, extreme weather, and high casualties, Indian forces successfully reclaimed the occupied outposts.
The war ended with India regaining control over most of the infiltrated territory, and the global community, including the United States, urging Pakistan to withdraw. The Kargil War is remembered not only for the bravery of Indian soldiers but also for exposing the extent of Pakistan’s covert operations and escalating tensions in an already volatile region.
Respect, Truth, and The Weight of Memory
During his time in Pakistan in 2023, Akhtar didn’t shy away from calling out Islamabad in front of a live audience. He reminded them of the pain of 26/11, a tragedy he witnessed firsthand in Mumbai, and asked, “Why pretend we’re the same people when you still won’t acknowledge the wrongs done?” He also expressed frustration at how Indian artists and peace ambassadors have often been met with hostility in Pakistan, despite efforts at cultural exchange.
A Ceasefire in Name Only
Although both nations agreed to stop firing after four days of escalation on May 10, explosions resumed just hours later, especially in border cities. As per a Reuters report, drone attacks and air-defense operations resumed in Jammu and Kashmir, with authorities claiming Pakistan violated the truce. Meanwhile, Operation Sindoor, which had struck nine known terrorist camps on May 7, was seen as a stern signal that India would not tolerate cross-border aggression anymore.
A Call for Moral Clarity
Akhtar’s message was neither political nor diplomatic—it was humanitarian. His voice reminded both nations that while governments fight, innocent lives hang in the balance. And until those in power learn to respect their own people first, peace will remain just another word.
General Munir had made a controversial declaration, asserting, “Our forefathers believed that we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religion is different. Our customs are different. Our traditions are different. Our thoughts are different. Our ambitions are different…” His divisive rhetoric was interpreted by Indian officials as a form of ideological support that could embolden terrorist elements.
During a candid conversation with senior lawyer and political figure Kapil Sibal, Javed Akhtar emphasized that India harbors no resentment toward the ordinary citizens of Pakistan. Instead, his criticism was squarely aimed at the tone and content of remarks delivered by figures of authority. He described such statements as lacking empathy and responsibility.
“No country is a monolith. Every citizen of a country can’t be the same. If a country’s government is bad, then its impact will first be on its own citizen… Our issue should only be with the government, the army, and the extremists. Our full sympathy should be with the innocents who are suffering because of them," he explained.
Insensitive Leadership and Misplaced Pride
Expressing disbelief after watching Munir’s speech online, Akhtar asked tough questions: “Why insult Hindus as a community? Doesn’t he realize Hindus live in Pakistan too? Where’s the dignity in disrespecting your own citizens?” He questioned how a nation's top military officer could make such sweeping and harmful remarks. He also mocked Pakistan’s celebration of historic invaders like Ahmad Shah Abdali, saying, “He attacked Muslims—yet you’ve named a missile after him? Have you forgotten your own people?”
Akhtar continued, “Your heroes are foreign invaders. You dismiss your own soil-born visionaries. Your identity is at war with itself. Your own people are not proud to be associated with you. Look around—Arab countries are banning Pakistani visas. It’s like a kid in Delhi claiming to be Shah Rukh Khan’s friend. But Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t know him. That’s your reality.”
A Story from Kargil: Honour Across Borders
Akhtar shared a poignant tale from the Kargil War of 1999 to highlight the contrast in how nations honour their soldiers. He recounted how, when Pakistani soldiers died, their own military leadership refused to retrieve their bodies. In contrast, Indian soldiers gave them proper burials. A senior Indian officer even compiled a photo album of the fallen and offered it to the Pakistani side—an offer they initially refused but later accepted informally and quietly. “Even in death, they were abandoned by their own,” Akhtar remarked.
The Kargil War, also referred to as the Kargil conflict, was a high-altitude military confrontation between India and Pakistan, fought from May to July 1999. The conflict unfolded in the rugged mountainous terrain of the Kargil district in Ladakh, which was then part of the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir. The fighting took place along the Line of Control (LoC)—the de facto border separating the two countries in the region.
In India, the military response was named Operation Vijay, meaning victory in Sanskrit, symbolizing the nation's determined push to reclaim territory infiltrated by Pakistani forces. The Indian Army, in coordination with the Indian Air Force, launched a massive operation to drive out Pakistani soldiers and paramilitary troops who had secretly occupied strategic positions on the Indian side of the LoC.
The Air Force's involvement, codenamed Operation Safed Sagar (White Sea), played a critical role in providing aerial reconnaissance and launching precision strikes on enemy bunkers hidden among the steep, snow-covered cliffs. Despite the harsh terrain, extreme weather, and high casualties, Indian forces successfully reclaimed the occupied outposts.
The war ended with India regaining control over most of the infiltrated territory, and the global community, including the United States, urging Pakistan to withdraw. The Kargil War is remembered not only for the bravery of Indian soldiers but also for exposing the extent of Pakistan’s covert operations and escalating tensions in an already volatile region.
Respect, Truth, and The Weight of Memory
During his time in Pakistan in 2023, Akhtar didn’t shy away from calling out Islamabad in front of a live audience. He reminded them of the pain of 26/11, a tragedy he witnessed firsthand in Mumbai, and asked, “Why pretend we’re the same people when you still won’t acknowledge the wrongs done?” He also expressed frustration at how Indian artists and peace ambassadors have often been met with hostility in Pakistan, despite efforts at cultural exchange.
A Ceasefire in Name Only
Although both nations agreed to stop firing after four days of escalation on May 10, explosions resumed just hours later, especially in border cities. As per a Reuters report, drone attacks and air-defense operations resumed in Jammu and Kashmir, with authorities claiming Pakistan violated the truce. Meanwhile, Operation Sindoor, which had struck nine known terrorist camps on May 7, was seen as a stern signal that India would not tolerate cross-border aggression anymore.
A Call for Moral Clarity
Akhtar’s message was neither political nor diplomatic—it was humanitarian. His voice reminded both nations that while governments fight, innocent lives hang in the balance. And until those in power learn to respect their own people first, peace will remain just another word.
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