A wave of controversy erupted when several Pakistani celebrities, including actors Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan, condemned the Indian Army's Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for a devastating terror attack that claimed 26 lives in South Kashmir's Pahalgam. The operation targeted nine terror hideouts—four in Pakistan and five in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)—and was widely praised across India and by global allies.
The Indian armed forces executed Operation Sindoor as a direct response to the brutal April 22 attack, which particularly targeted tourists based on their religion. This retaliatory strike aimed to dismantle key militant infrastructure and send a strong message against cross-border terrorism. The Ministry of Defence described the operation as a "precise and coordinated strike" that was focused, measured, and non-escalatory, ensuring no Pakistani military facilities were targeted.
However, the operation sparked intense backlash from certain Pakistani celebrities. Mahira Khan took to Instagram to share a post originally tweeted by writer Fatima Bhutto, stating, "Seriously cowardly!!! May Allah protect our country, may better sense prevail. Ameen." Hania Aamir also expressed her disapproval with a one-word Instagram story that read, "Cowardly." This condemnation led to a storm of criticism from social media users, particularly among Indian netizens and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), who accused the actors of hypocrisy and selective outrage.
One angry user tweeted, "Where were you when those terrorists killed our people just because they weren't Muslim? Where were you when 26 of ours were killed? Allah tumhari nahi, hamari raksha kare tum jaiso se." Another user expressed disbelief that Aamir and her followers could criticize India while their own country harbors terrorists. The backlash was so severe that the Indian government blocked the accounts of several Pakistani artists, including Aamir and Khan, on social media platforms.
As screenshots of their posts circulated online, the criticism intensified. A user remarked, "Hania Aamir is calling the Indian Army coward. Iske baad bhi if someone is simping over her while living in India then I don't know what to say." Others called for the government to ban these celebrities from India, highlighting the growing tensions between the two nations.
In addition to Aamir and Khan, fellow Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mawra Hocane also voiced their reactions to the Indian operation, further inflaming tensions online. Hocane stated, "Strongly condemn India’s cowardly attack on Pakistan. Innocent civilians have lost their lives. May Allah protect us all..." Their remarks have become focal points in the ongoing discourse surrounding the conflict.
The situation escalated further when domestic Indian carriers, including Air India and Indigo, suspended their services to several airports in the northern and western parts of the country until May 10, 2025, citing safety concerns following Operation Sindoor.
Mahira Khan's reaction to the military action also included a broader criticism of the Indian media, which she accused of fueling hatred. She stated, "I am grateful that I live in a country where I am not dictated to say what I have to. I have a voice and I CAN use it," while calling for peace and condemning what she described as unjustified military actions. Khan's post did not directly address the Pahalgam killings but painted India’s military actions in a negative light.
The emotional reactions from these celebrities reflect a growing divide in public opinion regarding the military actions taken by India and the subsequent responses from Pakistani figures. As tensions rise, many are questioning the role of celebrities in political discourse, especially in a region where sentiments run high.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the relationship between India and Pakistan, particularly in the realm of entertainment and cultural exchanges. The blocking of accounts for Pakistani artists raises questions about freedom of expression and the consequences of political statements in a highly charged environment.
In light of the ongoing conflict and the reactions from both sides, the discourse surrounding Operation Sindoor and the responses from Pakistani celebrities serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in the India-Pakistan relationship. As both nations navigate this sensitive terrain, the voices of celebrities will likely continue to provoke strong reactions from both supporters and critics alike.
