"'India-Pakistan ties remain uncertain...': Lyricist Javed Akhtar on the skepticism regarding the improvement of relations between India and Pakistan"
Updating the Sequence
India-Pakistan tensions flare up post Pahalgam terror attack, claiming 26 lives on April 22, mainly tourists. In response, the Indian military launches Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7.
Veteran lyricist and writer, Javed Akhtar, shares his thoughts on the state of Indo-Pak relations, claiming that it's too late for reconciliation. He draws parallels with South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, lamenting that a similar opportunity for healing was missed following Partition.
At a book launch, Akhtar questioned, "If only all of them had sat together once...It has been 75 years, they would be in their 90s now. How many of them would even be alive?" He suggested that governments from both sides should have bridged the gap in the early or mid-1950s to allow refugees from both sides to share their experiences.
Akhtar criticizes vested interest groups in Pakistan, particularly the army, the political establishment, and the extreme right-wing, for obstructing peace efforts. He argues, "That is the real issue. This is not in the interest of Pakistan's army, establishment, or right wing."
While India has striven to improve relationships diplomatically and culturally, Akhtar finds Pakistan has not matched our efforts reciprocally. He highlights, "Our Army is very professional; they are not at all political. But it is not like that there (Pakistan)...So this is the difference."
Though tensions persist, Akhtar asserts that India has never acted aggressively and emphasizes that most aggression has originated from the other side. The veteran artist is accompanied by his wife, Shabana Azmi, at the event.
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- Indo-Pak Disputes
- Javed Akhtar
- Indo-Pak Relations
- South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Lack of Political Will
- Vested Interest Groups
Fun Facts
- Akhtar's critiques of Pakistan's vested interest groups echo the argument that these groups use the fear of India as a strategic tool to maintain power and control in the country.
- Similar to the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Indian Peace and Reconciliation Initiative has been suggested as a means to heal the wounds of the Partition. However, it remains an unrealized dream due to political hurdles and lack of will from both sides.
- In the midst of escalating Indo-Pak tensions, celebrated writer Javed Akhtar uses the platform of a book launch to express his concerns about the lack of reconciliation between the two nations.
- Akhtar's thoughts on Indo-Pak relations delve into the idea of a missed opportunity for healing, drawing parallels with South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
- The veteran entertainer and his wife, Shabana Azmi, are currently trending in general news due to Akhtar's open criticisms of vested interest groups in Pakistan, particularly the army, political establishment, and extreme right-wing, for hindering peace efforts.
- Despite the ongoing Indo-Pak disputes being a hot topic in entertainment and celebrity circles, Akhtar asserts that India has never acted aggressively and emphasizes that most aggression has originated from the other side.
