The State
The renowned lyricist criticizes the warm welcome extended to Amir Khan Muttaqi during his visit.
Renowned Indian lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar has expressed deep concern over the reception given to Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his recent visit to India.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Akhtar stated,
“I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorist group Taliban by those who beat the pulpit against all kind of terrorists.”
He further criticized the Darul Uloom Deoband, a prominent Islamic seminary in Uttar Pradesh, for giving a “reverent welcome” to Muttaqi, who has been associated with policies that have restricted women’s rights in Afghanistan.
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, 2025Muttaqi’s six-day visit to India marks the first time a Taliban leader has visited the country since the group’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The visit follows a UN Security Council exemption to the travel ban imposed on him.
Akhtar’s comments have sparked discussions on social media, with many supporting his stance on the issue. The visit has also raised questions about India’s diplomatic approach towards Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.