Islamabad, Feb 24: After expressing his happiness about performing in front of Javed Akhtar recently, Pakistani actor and singer Ali Zafar has now slammed the veteran writer-lyricist for his comments about the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at the Faiz Festival in Lahore last week.

 

Ali, in an Instagram story, wrote about his love and devotion for his country, and how Akhtar's "insensitive and uncalled for remarks can deeply hurt the sentiments of so many people." Like India, he wrote, "Pakistan has suffered and continues to suffer at the hands of terrorism."

 

He wrote, “Guys, I love you all and truly value your praise and criticism equally. But I always request one thing – verify facts before reaching any conclusion or judgement. I was not present at the Faiz Mela nor aware of what was said until the next day when I saw it on social media.”

 

 

Further, he wrote, "I am a proud Pakistani and naturally no Pakistani would appreciate any statement against its country or people specially at an event meant to bring hearts closer than further. We all know how much Pakistan has suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of terrorism and such insensitive and uncalled for remarks can deeply hurt the sentiments of so many people."

 

Ali, in an earlier tweet, had shared that he believes “art and music transcends boundaries and is the best way to bring people together,” and had thanked Javed Akhtar for gracing the event. He said, "It was an honour to host him. I have always believed art & music transcends boundaries and is the best way to bring people together. Love is the ONLY way to peace. Thank you @Javedakhtarjadu sahab for gracing us with your presence. Thank you Faiz sahab for keeping us connected."

 

 

Earlier, Javed Akhtar, speaking about 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, said, "Hum toh Bambaiye log hain. Hamne dekha wahan kaise hamla hua tha. Wo log Norway se toh nahi aaye the naa Egypt se aaye the, wo log abhi bhi aapke mulk me ghum rahe hain. Toh ye shikayat agar Hindustani ke dil me ho toh aapko bura nahi manna chahiye (The atmosphere needs to cool down. I am from Bombay and all of us witnessed the attack on Bombay. The attackers weren’t from Norway, or from Egypt. They are still present in your country, so you should not be offended if an Indian complains about this)."

 

Also Read: Javed Akhtar attacks Pakistan in Pakistan: "26/11 terrorists still roaming freely here", Kangana Ranaut lauds writer-lyricist
 

 

Further, he also reminded the gathering that even though Pakistani artists such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehdi Hasan have been welcomed with open arms in India, Pakistan has never hosted a Lata Mangeshkar show.

 

Javed Akhtar’s comments about 26/11 had irked some Pakistani celebs as well. Before Ali, several other Pakistani artistes also condemned his remarks. Reacting to his comments, Jeeva and Ghunghat actor Resham wrote on Instagram, “My country is more dear to me than anything else. I absolutely had no knowledge about what Javed Akhtar sahab said about my country in the Faiz Festival session. I condemn his words. As per our customs of special treatment, we consider guests God’s mercy but Pakistan is more precious to us than our hearts and lives.” In an earlier post, she had shared pictures with Akhtar from a party hosted by Ali Zafar, and had written that she was ‘lucky’ to have been there.