Javed Akhtar Urges Government To Take “Solid Steps” Against Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack

May 2, 2025: Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar made a powerful appeal to the Indian government, urging it to take strong and decisive action against Pakistan in the wake of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that left 26 civilians dead, including three tourists from Mumbai. Akhtar’s comments came during the inauguration of the Glorious Maharashtra Festival held to mark Maharashtra Day on May 1, 2025.

Addressing an audience that included politicians, artists, and members of the public, Akhtar condemned the repeated terror attacks on Indian soil and said that symbolic retaliation—“a few crackers on the border”—is not enough anymore.

“This has happened not just once but several times,” Akhtar said, referencing the April 22 attack. “I request that the Central Government take immediate steps. A few crackers on the border will not work. Take a solid step now.”

Akhtar directly criticised the Pakistani military leadership, particularly its Army Chief, calling out his inflammatory rhetoric.

“He says that Hindus and Muslims are different communities. He does not even care that there are Hindus in his country, too,” Akhtar said. “Do something so that he remembers it. They will not pay heed to anything less.”

Visibly emotional, Akhtar remembered the three innocent victims from Maharashtra—Sanjay Lele, Atul Mone, and Hemant Joshi—who were killed while vacationing in Pahalgam.

“They were looking for peace and happiness. In search of that, they visited Pahalgam. They were mercilessly shot there. This is nothing ordinary,” he stated.

The Sholay co-writer also recalled his past visit to Lahore for a literary event, where he confronted the perception gap between the two countries.

“They were asking me questions, and I answered politely. A woman told me that Indians think all Pakistanis are terrorists. I said I am from Mumbai, a city that has burned, and those who came to burn it didn’t come from Sweden or Egypt,” he recounted. “They are walking freely in your streets.”

Akhtar stressed that India has consistently extended a hand of peace, regardless of which political party was in power, but that gesture has never been reciprocated.

“Be it Congress or BJP, India has always tried to maintain good relations with Pakistan. But what has Mumbai or this country done to deserve this?” he asked.

Akhtar concluded with a strong, emotionally charged message: “It is time for aar ya paar”, a Hindi phrase meaning it’s time for a decisive action—one way or the other.

The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in recent memory, has reignited debates over cross-border terrorism and the need for a stronger diplomatic and military stance. Akhtar’s remarks have added a powerful cultural voice to that growing national demand.