'Hang My Head In Shame': Javed Akhtar Fumes Over 'Reception' Given To Taliban Minister In India

Renowned lyricist, screenwriter, and poet Javed Akhtar strongly condemned the visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India, criticizing the “respect and reception” extended to him. Akhtar called the Taliban “the world’s worst terrorist group” and said he felt ashamed to see its representative welcomed warmly in India.

“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,” Akhtar wrote on X (previously Twitter).

He also lashed out at the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district for the grand welcome it accorded to Muttaqi. “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 posted.

<

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 >

Muttaqi is currently on a six-day official visit to India, marking the first trip by a Taliban leader since the group seized power in Afghanistan in 2021.

On Saturday, Muttaqi visited the Darul Uloom Deoband, where the seminary administration organized an elaborate reception. A list of 15 prominent Ulema (Islamic scholars) was prepared to receive him.

As Muttaqi entered the campus, students and faculty showered flower petals on him, while many lined up to take selfies with his delegation — scenes that have sparked strong criticism from various quarters, including Javed Akhtar.