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Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar expressed his dismay over the “reverent” reception extended to Afghan Foreign Minister and senior Taliban leader and foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his visit to Darul Uloom Deoband in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
According to media reports, Taking to X, Akhtar, who is known for his outspoken political views, wrote, “I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception that has been given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorist group Taliban, by those who beat the pulpit against all kinds of terrorists.”
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 “…
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) October 13, 2025
“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 n sisters !!! what is happening to us,” he added.
Muttaqi is on a week-long visit to India, from October 9 to 16. This is the first high-level delegation from Kabul to India since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021.
Muttaqi’s visit began with a controversy as Indian women journalists were reportedly barred from attending the Afghan FM press conference at the Afghan embassy.
The incident drew heavy backlash from the Opposition, which questioned the BJP’s stance on women’s rights.
