In a significant military operation, India executed Operation Sindoor, launching 24 missile strikes on nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir on May 6-7, 2025. This decisive action came in response to a devastating terror attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists targeted for their religion. The operation reportedly killed at least 17 terrorists and injured approximately 60 others.
As news of these strikes broke, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan faced immense backlash for his condemnation of the operation. On Instagram, Khan referred to the strikes as a "shameful attack," offering condolences to the families of those reportedly killed. His post, which expressed sorrow for the victims and called for an end to inflammatory rhetoric, quickly drew ire from both sides of the border.
Khan's statement read, "My deepest condolences to the families of those injured and killed in this shameful attack. I pray for the souls of the deceased and strength for their loved ones in the days to come. A respectful request to all: stop stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words. It is not worth the lives of innocent people. May better sense prevail. InshaAllah. Pakistan Zindabad!" However, following intense criticism, his account was blocked in India, and the post was deleted, though screenshots circulated widely on social media.
Other Pakistani celebrities also expressed their discontent with India's military actions. Actress Hania Aamir voiced her feelings on Instagram, stating, "I don’t have fancy words right now. I just have anger, pain, and a heavy heart. A child is gone. Families are shattered. And for what? This is not how you protect anyone. This is cruelty—plain and simple. You don’t get to bomb innocent people and call it strategy. This is shameful. This is cowardly. And we see you." Aamir's emotional response echoed the sentiments of many who criticized the violence and its impact on civilians.
Mahira Khan, another prominent figure in the Pakistani entertainment industry, shared a tweet from Fatima Bhutto that described the operation as "seriously cowardly!!! May Allah protect our country, may better sense prevail. Ameen," adding her own condemnation of the strikes. Mawra Hocane also took to X, stating, "Strongly condemn India’s cowardly attack on Pakistan. Innocent civilians have lost their lives. May Allah protect us all.. may sense prevail.. Ya Allah ho Ya Hafizo.. #PakistanZindabad."
These responses triggered a wave of criticism from Indian netizens and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), who questioned the Pakistani celebrities' stance on terrorism and their apparent silence regarding the Pahalgam attack. Many Indian commentators highlighted the hypocrisy of these celebrities, drawing attention to their previous work in Bollywood while their country harbors terrorists. One user remarked, "Wow, Hania Aamir and her low IQ fan brigade really thought they could waltz into Bollywood while their country harbors terrorists? Operation Sindoor just gave them a reality check—India isn’t your playground, darling!"
Bilal Abbas, another Pakistani actor, expressed his outrage on social media, stating, "What India has done today is nothing short of a disgraceful and cowardly act. Attacking innocent civilians, taking innocent lives—this is a crime against humanity and cannot be justified or ignored. My heart ached for every Pakistani family that has lost a loved one today. We will not forget this brutality and we will not stay silent in the face of such injustice." His passionate words resonated with many who echoed the sentiment of national unity in the face of tragedy.
Operation Sindoor, as detailed by Indian military officials, was a targeted strike mission aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh briefed the media, explaining that the operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam attack and that careful measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties. Singh stated, "The locations were selected so that there was no damage to civilians and their infrastructure," underscoring the Indian military's claim of precision in their operations.
While the Indian government received widespread support for its decisive action against terrorism, the backlash against Pakistani celebrities for their comments highlighted the complex and often fraught relationship between the two nations. The Indian public's reaction to the celebrities' statements was swift, with many calling for a boycott of their work and questioning their loyalty.
As tensions rise and public sentiment sways on both sides, the discourse surrounding Operation Sindoor and the subsequent reactions from Pakistani artists illustrate the deep divisions that continue to exist in the region. The military operation has not only reignited discussions about terrorism and national security but also about the role of public figures in navigating these sensitive issues.
In the wake of these events, it remains to be seen how the relationship between India and Pakistan will evolve, particularly in the realm of cultural exchange and collaboration. The consequences of such military actions and public statements are far-reaching, impacting not just political landscapes but also the lives of ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of these ongoing conflicts.
