Javed Akhtar urges Indian government to take firm steps over Pahalgam terror attack: "Take a solid step now, it is time for 'aar ya paar'

Akhtar made these statements during the inauguration of the 'Glorious Maharashtra Festival,' which took place on Thursday to commemorate Maharashtra's Foundation Day.

Lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has called on the central government to take firm and decisive action against Pakistan in light of its alleged involvement in the recent brutal terror attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

Akhtar made these statements during the inauguration of the 'Glorious Maharashtra Festival,' which took place on Thursday to commemorate Maharashtra's Foundation Day.

While speaking to politicians and attendees at the Maharashtra Festival 2025, lyricist Javed Akhtar urged the Central Government to take stronger and more decisive measures against terrorism. He emphasized that mere “crackers on the border” are not a sufficient response to the tragic loss of lives in the Pahalgam terror attack.

He said, "This has happened not just once but several times. I request that the Central Government take immediate steps. A few crackers on the border will not work. Take a solid step now. Do something so that the mad Army chief there (Pakistan), no sensible person can make a speech like he does. He says that Hindus and Muslims are different communities. He does not even care that there are Hindus in his country, too. So, do they have no respect? What kind of man is he? They should get a befitting reply so that they remember. They will not pay heed to anything less. I don't know much about politics. But I do know that it is time for 'aar ya paar."

The veteran screenwriter also paid tribute to the three Mumbai tourists—Sanjay Lele, Atul Mone, and Hemant Joshi—who were among the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Reflecting on their tragic fate, he remarked that they had simply sought a brief escape in search of peace and joy, adding poignantly, 'Perhaps they shouldn’t have.'

"Sanjay Lele, Atul Mone and Hemant Joshi from this state were looking for a moment of peace and happiness. Perhaps they should not have done that. In search of that, they visited Pahalgam. They were mercilessly shot there. We should not forget this. This is nothing ordinary. Enemies and those who wish us evil have their eyes on Mumbai," he added.

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The lyricist further expressed that while India has consistently extended a hand of peace towards Pakistan, the neighbouring country has repeatedly failed to respond in kind. He also stated, "What happened in Pahalgam is something which keeps happening after a few days. It is sad. What has Mumbai or this country done to you? Be it the Congress Government or the BJP, it always tried to have good relations with the neighbours."

He made these statements following the terrifying terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22 which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.