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Key Points

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar expressed deep shame over the reverent welcome given to Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at Darul Uloom Deoband. He specifically called out the hypocrisy of honoring someone from a regime that has completely banned girls' education. The visit has been controversial from the start, with Indian women journalists being barred from Muttaqi's press conference in New Delhi. Meanwhile, the Taliban leader has been actively seeking Indian investment in Afghanistan's mineral resources and trade routes during his week-long diplomatic mission.

Key Points: Javed Akhtar Slams Deoband Taliban Leader Welcome

  • Javed Akhtar criticizes Deoband's warm welcome to Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi
  • Akhtar highlights Taliban's complete ban on girls' education in Afghanistan
  • Muttaqi's India visit marks first high-level Taliban delegation since 2021 takeover
  • Controversy erupted as Indian women journalists were barred from Muttaqi's press conference
  • Taliban leader invited Indian investment in Afghan minerals and trade routes
2 min read

Hang my head in shame: Javed Akhtar furious over reverent welcome given to Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at Deoband

Veteran lyricist condemns reverent reception for Afghan Taliban FM at Darul Uloom Deoband, calls it shameful amid girls' education ban controversy

"I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect given to the representative of the world's worst terrorist group Taliban - Javed Akhtar"

Mumbai, October 14

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar, known for his outspoken political views, expressed his dismay over the "reverent" reception extended to Afghan Foreign Minister and senior Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi during his visit to Darul Uloom Deoband in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Taking to X, Akhtar wrote, "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 ."

He added, "Shame on Deoband too for giving such a reverent welcome to their 'Islamic Hero' who is one of those who have completely banned girls' education. My Indian brothers n sisters !!! what is happening to us."

Muttaqi is on a week-long visit to India, from October 9 to 16. This is the first high-level delegation from Kabul to India since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021.

Muttaqi's visit began with a controversy as Indian women journalists were reportedly barred from attending the Afghan FM press conference at the Afghan Embassy.

The incident drew heavy backlash from the Opposition, which questioned the BJP's stance on women's rights.

Meanwhile, Muttaqi has invited India to invest in the country's minerals and requested New Delhi to help facilitate trade through the opening of the Wagah border, calling it the "fastest trade route" between the two countries.

Adressing a press conference in New Delhi on Sunday, Muttaqi said, "I met the Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and talked about economy, trade, and other issues."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I understand the concerns, we need to engage diplomatically with our neighbors. Afghanistan has strategic importance and we can't isolate them completely. But yes, the welcome should have been more low-key.
A
Aditya G
The fact that Indian women journalists were barred from the press conference says everything! How can we tolerate such discrimination on our own soil? This is not the India I know and love. 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in women's education projects, this makes me so angry! We should be using our diplomatic leverage to push for girls' education rights, not rolling out red carpets for oppressors.
K
Karthik V
Foreign policy is complex, but principles shouldn't be compromised. The reverent welcome at Deoband sends wrong signals. We can engage diplomatically without celebrating representatives of oppressive regimes.
M
Michael C
While I respect Javed Akhtar's sentiment, I think we need to separate diplomatic engagement from endorsement. India has to talk to its neighbors, even difficult ones. But the optics could have been handled better.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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