The award-winning wordsmith expressed deep disappointment over the grand reception given to Afghan Foreign Minister and senior Taliban figure, Amir Khan Muttaqi.
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Veteran poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar has never shied away from speaking his mind, and this time he has stirred a storm online. The award-winning wordsmith expressed deep disappointment over the grand reception given to Afghan Foreign Minister and senior Taliban figure, Amir Khan Muttaqi, during his visit to the historic Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh.
On X (formerly Twitter), Akhtar didn’t hold back. “I hang my head in shame seeing the kind of respect given to a representative of the world’s worst terrorist group,” he wrote. He added a pointed critique of Deoband’s decision to honor Muttaqi, calling it a shock to those who have long condemned terrorism. “Shame on Deoband too for welcoming their ‘Islamic Hero,’ who has banned girls’ education. My Indian brothers and sisters, what is happening to us?” he asked.
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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 . Shame on Deoband too for giving such a reverent welcome to their “…
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— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) October 13, 2025
This visit is the first high-level Afghan delegation to India since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Muttaqi arrived in India on October 9 and is scheduled to stay until October 16, making stops across Delhi and other cities.
However, the trip has already sparked controversy. Indian women journalists were reportedly denied access to a press conference at the Afghan Embassy. This drew heavy criticism from the Opposition in addition to serious questions about India’s stance on women’s rights.
Despite the political tension, Muttaqi’s agenda heavily focused on trade and investment. At a press conference in New Delhi on Sunday, he highlighted economic opportunities for India in Afghanistan, especially in the country’s mineral sector. He also urged India to help facilitate trade through the Wagah border, describing it as “the fastest trade route” between the two nations.
“I met the Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and we discussed economy, trade, and other issues,” Muttaqi said.
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