Actor Fawad Khan of Pakistan responds to the Pahalgam incident
In response to the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam that killed at least 26 people, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan expressed his profound sympathy for the victims.
His remarks coincide with the suspension of the release of his next film, Abir Gulaal, after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its ban on Pakistani performers in India.
Fawad Khan posted his sympathies on Instagram in response to the worldwide condemnation of the deadly attack on tourists in the Baisaran valley, Jammu & Kashmir.
“Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam,” Khan wrote. He added that his “thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident.” He also prayed for the impacted families’ resilience and recovery at this trying period, expressing solidarity with them.
Approximately 2:30 pm on Tuesday, gunmen opened fire on tourists, including foreign nationals, in the attack. With 26 people killed, including two foreigners, it has been called one of the bloodiest terror assaults in recent memory.
The FWICE, which represents workers in the Indian film industry, reaffirmed its position against Pakistani artists as tensions between India and Pakistan increase in the wake of the incident. The group made comparisons to the 2019 Pulwama incident, which claimed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel and caused a national uproar, in a statement issued soon after the assault.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a group associated with the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was also identified by the FWICE as the perpetrator of the Pahalgam incident.
In response to the escalating tensions, the FWICE reiterated its 2019 decision, declaring that it will keep enforcing the total prohibition on Pakistani performers, singers, and technicians from participating in Indian entertainment and film ventures. The organization has finally taken action to stop Abir Gulaal’s May 9 release in accordance with this policy. The movie, which starred Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, was anticipated to be a big hit when it came out in India.
In its statement, the FWICE reaffirmed its demand for national integrity and togetherness in the face of such attacks and underlined that it will take the necessary measures to prevent Abir Gulaal from reaching Indian viewers. The statement stated that production companies, directors, and technicians would be held responsible for any cooperation with Pakistani talent. “Any member of our organization or its affiliates found cooperating with Pakistani personnel will be subject to disciplinary action,” the statement said.
Representatives for Fawad Khan have not yet released a public comment about Abir Gulaal’s future in response to the ban. Nonetheless, the actor’s Instagram post highlights his ongoing dedication to peace and healing as well as his personal sorrow over the deaths of innocent people.
