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New Delhi: Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has strongly criticised the reception accorded to Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his visit to India, calling it a “moment of shame.” The visit marks the first official trip to the country by a senior Taliban leader since the group regained power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday (October 13), Javed expressed his disappointment at the way the Taliban minister was received in New Delhi. “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 terrorist group Taliban by those who beat the pulpit against all kind of terrorists,” the 79-year-old wrote.
Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in India last Thursday (October 9) for a six-day visit, following an exemption from the UN Security Council’s Taliban Sanctions Committee, which temporarily lifted the travel ban against him. The committee had imposed restrictions on Amir Khan in 2001, including an asset freeze, arms embargo, and travel ban, owing to his links with the Taliban regime.
While India has not yet formally recognised the Taliban government in Kabul, the visit has sparked widespread political and social debate. Many have questioned the optics of hosting a representative of the Taliban, particularly given the group’s regressive stance on women’s education and human rights.
Javed also criticised Darul Uloom Deoband, one of South Asia’s most influential Islamic seminaries, for extending what he called a “reverent welcome” to Muttaqi. In another post, he stated, “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.”
The controversy deepened after women journalists were barred from attending Muttaqi’s first press interaction in Delhi last week, triggering outrage across political and media circles. Several opposition leaders termed the exclusion “unacceptable” and “an insult to women.” In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that it had no involvement in organising the event.
As criticism mounted, Muttaqi held another press conference on Sunday, where female journalists were invited. He claimed the earlier exclusion was due to logistical issues, stating, “It was organised on short notice… It was more of a technical issue. There was no other intention.”
He further added, “No one’s rights should be violated — be it men or women.”
