Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has strongly criticised India’s treatment of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his visit, saying he “hangs his head in shame” over the respect and reception afforded to a representative of what he called the “world’s worst terrorist group.”

Akhtar took particular aim at the warm welcome Muttaqi received at Darul Uloom Deoband in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He faulted the seminary for giving what he described as a “reverent welcome” to someone who, in his words, had “completely banned girls’ education.”

In his messages on social media, Akhtar lamented the incongruity of welcoming a figure associated with severe repression in Afghanistan. He invoked moral accountability, questioning how those who vocally oppose terrorism could extend such honours.

Muttaqi’s visit to India is part of a broader diplomatic engagement. It marked the first high-level trip by a Taliban minister to India since the group’s return to power in 2021. His itinerary included meetings with Indian officials and outreach to religious institutions