logo
Javed Akhtar reminds ‘insensitive' Pak Army: 'We salute our fallen soldiers, you refused to take bodies of your men during Kargil war'

Javed Akhtar reminds ‘insensitive' Pak Army: 'We salute our fallen soldiers, you refused to take bodies of your men during Kargil war'

Indian Express14-05-2025

Amid the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, renowned writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar expressed his dismay at the comments made by General Asim Munir, the Army chief of the neighbouring country, just days before the Pehalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people. In response to the attack, India had launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Both the countries agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 after four days of intense fighting.
General Asim Munir had said, 'Our forefathers believed that we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religion is different. Our customs are different. Our traditions are different. Our thoughts are different. Our ambitions are different…' General Munir's provocative speech by was viewed by New Delhi as having encouraged the terrorists.
In an interview with lawyer and politician Kapil Sibal, Javed Akhtar stressed that India doesn't want to vilify the average Pakistani citizen, but criticised comments made by their 'representatives' as 'insensitive'. He said, 'No country is a monolith. Every citizen of a country can't be the same. If a country's government is bad, then its impact will first be first on its own citizen… Our issue should only be with the government, the army, and the extremists. Our full sympathy should be with the innocents who are suffering because of them.'
Describing the situation as 'tragic' for common Pakistanis, many of whom he considers friends, Akhtar continued, 'I watched their army chief's speech on YouTube. What an insensitive man he seemed to be. Sure, abuse Indians if you feel we're evil, but why are you abusing Hindus? Doesn't he realise that there is a population of Hindus in Pakistan as well? Shouldn't you respect your own people? What sort of man are you? What are you even saying? You have no sense.' Akhtar seemed to be referring to comments made by General Asim Munir, who had said, 'Our forefathers believed that we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religion is different. Our customs are different. Our traditions are different. Our thoughts are different. Our ambitions are different…'
Also read – Javed Akhtar reminds Pakistanis that 26/11 attackers are from their country: 'You shouldn't be offended if Indians complain about this'
He continued, 'One of their missiles is called Abdali. Abdali attacked Muslims! He's your hero? What about the people who were born on your soil? You are hailing an invader? Do you have any concept of history? Their issue is that their history and geography are incompatible. The communities they describe as their own want nothing to do with them. Several Arab countries have banned Pakistanis from getting visas. It's like some boy on the streets of Delhi saying he knows Shah Rukh Khan. My friend, Shah Rukh Khan doesn't know who you are! Yeh inka haal hai.'
Akhtar narrated an anecdote to illustrate his point about the Pakistani army not having respect for their own. He said, 'Another truth that Pakistanis must face is this: when one of our soldiers dies, we salute him, but when Pakistani soldiers died in Kargil, they didn't even claim their bodies. It was the Indians who gave them a proper burial. One of our top-ranking soldiers took photographs of their fallen men, had an album made, and presented it to the Pakistanis. They refused to take it. He later accepted it, but unofficially.'
Akhtar, who got a hero's welcome in Pakistan in 2023, had slammed Islamabad in front of a gathering in Lahore, for sponsoring terrorism. Asked why Indians and Pakistanis can't get along, Akhtar had reminded the audience that he witnessed the terror caused by Pakistani attackers firsthand during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. In the past, he has also spoken about the lack of respect shown by Pakistanis to Indian artistes over the years.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

US Army 250th Anniversary Parade: President Donald Trump's 79th birthday Celebration Cost, Parade Route, Timing, Tickets, How to watch Livestream, Military Preparations, No Kings Protests and Women's March
US Army 250th Anniversary Parade: President Donald Trump's 79th birthday Celebration Cost, Parade Route, Timing, Tickets, How to watch Livestream, Military Preparations, No Kings Protests and Women's March

Economic Times

time40 minutes ago

  • Economic Times

US Army 250th Anniversary Parade: President Donald Trump's 79th birthday Celebration Cost, Parade Route, Timing, Tickets, How to watch Livestream, Military Preparations, No Kings Protests and Women's March

Why Was June 14 Chosen? Celebration Cost Parade Route and Timing Live Events Military Preparations Tickets and How to Watch Livestream Event Schedule and Locations No Kings Protests and Women's March FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The US Army will hold a public festival and parade in Washington, DC, on June 14 to commemorate its 250th anniversary. The day also falls on President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. The parade and events will take place on the National Mall and surrounding areas. Army officials say this is part of a broader plan to honor the Army's event is scheduled on June 14 because it marks the founding of the Continental Army. On this day in 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Army to fight British forces. Congress appointed George Washington as commander in chief the following began nearly two years ago, but the parade was added earlier this year. Officials estimate the total cost of the event to be between $25 million and $45 million. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll told Congress that the event is meant to tell the Army's story and improve festival will run from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the National Mall. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m., moving from 23rd Street NW to 15th Street NW along Constitution Avenue. The route ends around 7:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:45 Army has placed metal plates along the parade route to protect roads from damage by heavy equipment like Abrams tanks. The tanks are fitted with rubber track pads to reduce impact. If damage occurs, the Army will pay for event will include about 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft. Historical and modern Army units will march in uniform. Equipment includes Abrams tanks, Bradley vehicles, helicopters and World War-era tanks and parade and festival are free to attend. People can RSVP through Livestream coverage will be available on US Army social media platforms for those who cannot attend in day will also include a wreath-laying at Arlington Cemetery, an enlistment ceremony led by Donald Trump, a parachute jump by the Golden Knights, a concert, and equipment are being organized across the US to oppose what some groups see as a political use of the event. Organizers plan 1,800 rallies nationwide. The 'No Kings' campaign and Women's March will be part of these actions. Officials expect hundreds of thousands at these 14 is the date the Continental Army was created in 1775. Congress formed it after fighting began at Lexington and officials estimate the event will cost between $25 million and $45 million, but they haven't shared exact figures for the parade portion.

US Army 250th Anniversary Parade: President Donald Trump's 79th birthday Celebration Cost, Parade Route, Timing, Tickets, How to watch Livestream, Military Preparations, No Kings Protests and Women's
US Army 250th Anniversary Parade: President Donald Trump's 79th birthday Celebration Cost, Parade Route, Timing, Tickets, How to watch Livestream, Military Preparations, No Kings Protests and Women's

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

US Army 250th Anniversary Parade: President Donald Trump's 79th birthday Celebration Cost, Parade Route, Timing, Tickets, How to watch Livestream, Military Preparations, No Kings Protests and Women's

The US Army will celebrate its 250th anniversary on June 14 with a large parade and festival in Washington, DC. About 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles and over 50 aircraft will participate. The event includes multiple ceremonies, military displays and a fireworks show. Large-scale protests are also expected nationwide. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why Was June 14 Chosen? Celebration Cost Parade Route and Timing Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Military Preparations Tickets and How to Watch Livestream Event Schedule and Locations No Kings Protests and Women's March FAQs The US Army will hold a public festival and parade in Washington, DC, on June 14 to commemorate its 250th anniversary. The day also falls on President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. The parade and events will take place on the National Mall and surrounding areas. Army officials say this is part of a broader plan to honor the Army's event is scheduled on June 14 because it marks the founding of the Continental Army. On this day in 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Army to fight British forces. Congress appointed George Washington as commander in chief the following began nearly two years ago, but the parade was added earlier this year. Officials estimate the total cost of the event to be between $25 million and $45 million. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll told Congress that the event is meant to tell the Army's story and improve festival will run from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the National Mall. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m., moving from 23rd Street NW to 15th Street NW along Constitution Avenue. The route ends around 7:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:45 Army has placed metal plates along the parade route to protect roads from damage by heavy equipment like Abrams tanks. The tanks are fitted with rubber track pads to reduce impact. If damage occurs, the Army will pay for event will include about 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft. Historical and modern Army units will march in uniform. Equipment includes Abrams tanks, Bradley vehicles, helicopters and World War-era tanks and parade and festival are free to attend. People can RSVP through Livestream coverage will be available on US Army social media platforms for those who cannot attend in day will also include a wreath-laying at Arlington Cemetery, an enlistment ceremony led by Donald Trump, a parachute jump by the Golden Knights, a concert, and equipment are being organized across the US to oppose what some groups see as a political use of the event. Organizers plan 1,800 rallies nationwide. The 'No Kings' campaign and Women's March will be part of these actions. Officials expect hundreds of thousands at these 14 is the date the Continental Army was created in 1775. Congress formed it after fighting began at Lexington and officials estimate the event will cost between $25 million and $45 million, but they haven't shared exact figures for the parade portion.

India Won Operation Sindoor – But What Does The Army Want Next, And Who Poses The Greatest Threat?
India Won Operation Sindoor – But What Does The Army Want Next, And Who Poses The Greatest Threat?

India.com

timean hour ago

  • India.com

India Won Operation Sindoor – But What Does The Army Want Next, And Who Poses The Greatest Threat?

New Delhi: India crushed Pakistan's assault during Operation Sindoor. But after the dust settled, something more alarming came into view. China was not sitting on the sidelines. It was pulling strings from behind the curtain. Indian radars picked up Chinese-made jets in Pakistani skies. Chinese missiles were used to target Indian bases. Beijing was deeply involved. That means India was not fighting just Pakistan. India was up against two enemies at once. Military officers have sounded the alarm. They want India's defence budget raised to 2.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Right now, the defence allocation stands at just 1.9%. A huge portion of that money goes into salaries and pensions. Only a quarter of it helps modernise the military. This cannot continue. Not when two hostile neighbours are preparing for something bigger. China has been pumping weapons into Pakistan. In the May 7-10 clashes, Pakistan deployed Chinese J-10 jets and HQ-9 missile systems. Beijing has promised to send more – stealth fighters, long-range air defence weapons and new-generation drones. China is flooding Pakistan with cutting-edge military tools. Pakistan's economy is in crisis. But even then, Islamabad raised its defence budget by 20%. It cut development. It ignored debt. It focused on weapons. India must respond, believe experts, arguing that it is time for total self-reliance in defence production. India must build fighter jets, drones, loitering munitions and missiles on its own. The private sector must step in. Half-measures will not do. Half-prepared armies lose wars. India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project has started moving. But it must move faster. Tejas took decades. The same mistake cannot happen again. The Indian Air Force is short on fighter squadrons. It has just 30. The target is 42.5. Drones are the new face of war. Swarm drones. FPV kamikaze drones. Loitering drones. India needs all of these, and it needs them in bulk. No country will come to India's rescue in a full-scale war. India must stand on its own. During Operation Sindoor, India used Russian S-400s, Israeli Barak-8s and its own Akash missiles. These systems intercepted and neautralised many Pakistani drone and missile attacks. But more layers are needed. DRDO must now accelerate two things – short-range air defence systems and long-range strike missiles like Project Kusha. Military reform is also crucial. India has a huge army. It must cut unnecessary spending. It must remove red tape from weapons procurement. And it must create joint theatre commands that allow the Army, Navy and Air Force to fight as one. A senior military commander put it bluntly. India is now staring at a superpower that is feeding a hostile neighbour. Pakistan may fire the bullets. But China is loading the gun. India cannot look away anymore. The next battle may not wait for long.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store