Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 14: Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has strongly criticised the reception given to Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his ongoing visit to New Delhi.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Akhtar 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.”

Akhtar also condemned the Darul Uloom Deoband in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for honouring 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 and sisters! What is happening to us?” he questioned.

Muttaqi’s six-day trip marks the first visit by a Taliban leader to India since the group took control of Afghanistan in 2021. The visit was made possible after the UN Security Council’s Taliban Sanctions Committee granted him a travel exemption, despite his name being on the UN sanctions list since 2001.

The trip has already sparked controversy after reports surfaced that women journalists were barred from attending one of Muttaqi’s media interactions in Delhi. Opposition leaders called the move “unacceptable” and “an insult to women.” The Ministry of External Affairs later clarified that it had no involvement in organising the press meet.

Following the criticism, Muttaqi held another press conference on October 12, inviting women journalists and calling the earlier exclusion “unintentional,” citing limited space and short notice as the reasons.

Akhtar’s sharp remarks have reignited debate over India’s diplomatic engagement with the Taliban and the optics of extending courtesies to a regime widely condemned for human rights abuses, especially against women.