‘My Indian brothers and sisters! What is happening to us?’: Javed Akhtar reacts to Deoband’s honour for Taliban FM

Mumbai: Noted lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has expressed deep disappointment over the grand reception accorded to Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, a senior Taliban leader, during his visit to Darul Uloom Deoband in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Akhtar said he was appalled by the sight of a terror outfit’s representative being honoured in India.

“I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorist group Taliban, by those who beat the pulpit against all kinds of terrorists,” he wrote.

He further slammed the Islamic seminary for celebrating the visit, adding,

“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’s remarks came after Muttaqi, on October 11, received a warm welcome at Darul Uloom Deoband from its vice-chancellor, Maulana Abul Qasim Nomani, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani, and other officials.

The visit drew large crowds of students and locals, eager to greet the Afghan minister, though security personnel reportedly stopped them from approaching him.

During his address at the seminary, Muttaqi said he hoped for “better ties between India and Afghanistan in the future.”

Akhtar’s post triggered a flurry of reactions online. While some users backed his criticism, others defended the seminary, citing diplomatic pragmatism.

One user wrote, “Geopolitics happens. Meeting the Taliban FM doesn’t mean we agree with their ideology — maybe we can influence them for the better.”

Another countered, “Dear Javed Saab, the current government, too, has hosted Taliban representatives. Let’s not forget who’s rolling out the red carpet behind the scenes.”

Akhtar, who has long been vocal against extremism and religious orthodoxy, said the incident reflects a worrying trend of misplaced reverence and moral compromise.