A day after Pulwama attack in which over 40 Indian soldiers were killed in Occupied Kashmir, renowned lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar and wife Shabana Azmi have cancelled their visit to Pakistan.
The two were invited to an event in Karachi held in honour of Shabana Azmi’s father Kaifi Azim. Both had accepted the invitation and were expected to arrive in Pakistan for the 2-day event on February 22.
In a Twitter message, Javed Akhtar announced that he and his wife Shabana would not be travelling to Pakistan.
“Karachi Art Council had invited Shabana and me for a two day literary conference about Kaifi Azmi and his poetry. We have cancelled that. In 1965 during the Indo-Pak war, Kaifi saheb had written a poem: Aur Phir Khrishan Ne Arjun Se Kaha,” Javed said.
https://twitter.com/Javedakhtarjadu/status/1096315621610946561
While the poet did not mention any reason for the cancellation of the couple’s trip, the announcement being made a day after Pulwama attack, that could soar tensions between India and Pakistan, is self-explanatory.
At least 44 India paramilitary soldiers were killed when a van carrying explosives crashed into a convoy carrying the officers. The attack is said to be the deadliest since 2016, in which 19 soldiers were killed.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has blamed Pakistan for the attack saying that “we will give a befitting reply, our neighbor will not be allowed to destabilize us”.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal has strongly rejected “any insinuation by elements in Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to State of Pakistan without investigations”.
https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1096129410468581376
This is not the first time art has suffered due to political tensions between the two countries. In 2016, India banned Pakistani artists from performing in the country until ties improve.
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The two were invited to an event in Karachi held in honour of Shabana Azmi’s father Kaifi Azim. Both had accepted the invitation and were expected to arrive in Pakistan for the 2-day event on February 22.
Also read: Shafqat Amanat Ali Says It Is About Time India Lifts Ban On Pakistani Artists. Do You Agree?
In a Twitter message, Javed Akhtar announced that he and his wife Shabana would not be travelling to Pakistan.
“Karachi Art Council had invited Shabana and me for a two day literary conference about Kaifi Azmi and his poetry. We have cancelled that. In 1965 during the Indo-Pak war, Kaifi saheb had written a poem: Aur Phir Khrishan Ne Arjun Se Kaha,” Javed said.
https://twitter.com/Javedakhtarjadu/status/1096315621610946561
While the poet did not mention any reason for the cancellation of the couple’s trip, the announcement being made a day after Pulwama attack, that could soar tensions between India and Pakistan, is self-explanatory.
At least 44 India paramilitary soldiers were killed when a van carrying explosives crashed into a convoy carrying the officers. The attack is said to be the deadliest since 2016, in which 19 soldiers were killed.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has blamed Pakistan for the attack saying that “we will give a befitting reply, our neighbor will not be allowed to destabilize us”.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal has strongly rejected “any insinuation by elements in Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to State of Pakistan without investigations”.
https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1096129410468581376
This is not the first time art has suffered due to political tensions between the two countries. In 2016, India banned Pakistani artists from performing in the country until ties improve.
Have something to say about the story? Write in the comments section below