Screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has strongly criticised the “reception” accorded to Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his ongoing visit to India, saying he “hangs his head in shame.”
Muttaqi is on a six-day visit to India — the first by a Taliban leader since the group seized power in Afghanistan in 2021.
“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, the Taliban, by those who preach against terrorism,” Akhtar wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
The veteran writer also condemned Darul Uloom Deoband, one of South Asia’s most influential Islamic seminaries, for extending what he called a “reverent welcome” to Muttaqi.
“Shame on Deoband too for giving such a reverent welcome to their ‘Islamic Hero’, who is among those who have completely banned girls’ education. My Indian brothers and sisters, what is happening to us?” Akhtar added.
Controversy Over Taliban Minister’s Visit
Muttaqi’s visit was approved after the UN Security Council’s Taliban Sanctions Committee granted him a temporary exemption from a travel ban, which had been in place since January 25, 2001. He remains under a UN asset freeze and arms embargo.
India has not recognised the Taliban government and continues to call for the formation of an inclusive administration in Kabul.
Media Row Over Exclusion Of Women Journalists
The visit triggered further controversy last week when women journalists were excluded from Muttaqi’s media interaction in Delhi. The absence drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders and press bodies, who called it “unacceptable” and an “insult to women.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that it had no role in organising the event.
As the backlash grew, Muttaqi addressed another press conference on Sunday, this time inviting several women journalists.
“The earlier press conference was organised on short notice. A small list of journalists was finalised. It was more of a technical issue. There was no intention to exclude women,” he said.
Muttaqi added that no one’s rights should be violated, “be it men or women.”
