Javed Akhtar demands strong action against Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack: "Crackers on the border won’t work, it is time for ‘aar ya paar"

Renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has strongly urged the central government to take decisive action against Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including three tourists from Mumbai.

“A few crackers on the border will not work”
Speaking at the Glorious Maharashtra Festival 2025 in Mumbai on Maharashtra Day, Akhtar condemned the attack and criticized the Pakistani military leadership for promoting divisive ideology. In a hard-hitting speech, he said, “A few crackers on the border will not work. Take a solid step now. Do something so that the mad army chief there (Pakistan), no sensible person can make a speech like he does.”
Remembers victims from Maharashtra— They were mercilessly shot there.
Javed Akhtar paid tribute to the victims from Mumbai — Sanjay Lele, Atul Mone, and Hemant Joshi — who were among those killed in the Pahalgam attack. Expressing grief and anger, he said, “Sanjay Lele, Atul Mone & Hemant Joshi from this state were looking for a moment of peace and happiness... They were mercilessly shot there. We should not forget this.”
He emphasized that this was not an isolated incident and that Mumbai, too, remains a key target for forces intending harm.
“I have seen my city burning”
Recounting an earlier visit to Pakistan for a literary festival, Javed Akhtar shared how he was confronted about India’s perception of Pakistanis. He responded sharply, saying, “I am a resident of Mumbai, and I have seen my city burning. Those who came to burn it did not come from Sweden or Egypt; those people are roaming freely in your city even today.”

Javed Akhtar lamented that India has always extended a hand of peace to Pakistan, regardless of the government in power, but the response has repeatedly been hostile and violent. “What has Mumbai or this country done to you?” he asked.
Calls for Decisive Measures—‘Aar ya paar’”
Wrapping up his address with an emotional appeal, Javed Akhtar demanded a firm response from the Indian government, saying, “I don’t know much about politics. But I do know that it is time for ‘aar ya paar.’”