Javed Akhtar Condemns Reception of Taliban Minister in India: Controversy Over Diplomatic Visit

New Delhi:

Renowned screenwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar has expressed strong disapproval regarding the "reception" extended to Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his visit to New Delhi, stating that he "hangs his head in shame."

Muttaqi is currently on a six-day diplomatic visit to India, marking the first such journey to the country by a Taliban representative since the group assumed power in Afghanistan in 2021.

"I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception has been given to the representative of the world's worst terrorists group Taliban by those who beat the pulpit against all kind of terrorists," Akhtar declared on X on Monday.

He also directed criticism toward the Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur, one of South Asia's most influential Islamic seminaries, for providing Muttaqi, who arrived in Delhi on Thursday, with a "reverent welcome."

"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 and sisters!!! what is happening to us," Akhtar remarked.

Muttaqi's visit to India was made possible after the UN Security Council's Taliban Sanctions Committee approved an exemption to the travel ban imposed on the Taliban official.

He was designated by the UN Security Council on January 25, 2001, and was subject to a travel ban, asset freeze, and arms embargo.

India has not yet granted recognition to the Taliban administration and continues to advocate for the establishment of a genuinely inclusive government in Kabul.

Last week, significant controversy erupted over the absence of women journalists at Muttaqi's media interaction in Delhi.

Several opposition leaders characterized the absence at Friday's press conference as "unacceptable" and an "insult to women." Multiple press organizations also criticized the Afghan foreign minister.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that it had no involvement in organizing the press interaction.

As the controversy intensified, Muttaqi held another press conference on Sunday, this time with invitations extended to several women journalists.

He claimed there was no intention to exclude women journalists from the earlier event.

"With regards to the press conference, it was organised on short notice. A small list of journalists was finalised. It was more of a technical issue," he explained.

"Our colleagues had decided to send invitations to specific journalists and there was no other intention," Muttaqi stated.

He further added that no one's rights should be violated, regardless of gender.