Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has strongly criticised the welcome extended to Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his visit to India, calling it a moment of shame. Muttaqi, who is on a six-day visit to New Delhi, is the first senior Taliban leader to travel to India since the group regained power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Akhtar took to social media on Monday, October 13, to express his disapproval of the reception accorded to the Taliban representative.
“I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception has been given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorists group Taliban by those who beat the pulpit against all kind of terrorists,” he wrote on X.
He also directed sharp criticism at Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district, one of the most influential Islamic seminaries in South Asia, after reports emerged that the institution had extended a warm welcome to the visiting minister.
“Shame on Deoband too for giving such a reverent welcome to their ‘Islamic Hero’ who is one of those who have completely banned girls education. My Indian brothers n sisters !!! what is happening to us,” Akhtar said.
I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception has been given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorists group Taliban by those who beat the pulpit against all kind of terrorists . Shame on Deoband too for giving such a reverent welcome to their “…
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) October 13, 2025
Muttaqi’s visit to India follows a decision by the UN Security Council’s Taliban Sanctions Committee to grant him a temporary exemption from the travel ban imposed on him. The Taliban foreign minister has been listed by the United Nations since January 25, 2001, and remains under sanctions that include an asset freeze and arms embargo.
During his visit, Muttaqi met officials and engaged with various groups as part of efforts to improve communication between Kabul and New Delhi. India has not recognised the Taliban government but has maintained that it supports the establishment of an inclusive administration in Afghanistan that respects the rights of all citizens, including women and minorities.
The visit has, however, drawn controversy. Last week, a media interaction attended by Muttaqi in Delhi sparked criticism after women journalists were reportedly not invited.
Several opposition leaders condemned the absence of women, describing it as “unacceptable” and “an insult to women”. Press associations also raised concerns, prompting clarification from Indian authorities. The Ministry of External Affairs said it had no role in organising the event.
As the backlash grew, Muttaqi addressed another press conference on Sunday and invited women journalists to attend. He clarified that the exclusion in the earlier event was not deliberate.
“With regards to the press conference, it was organised on short notice. A small list of journalists was finalised. It was more of a technical issue,” he said. “Our colleagues had decided to send invitations to specific journalists and there was no other intention.”
Muttaqi added that the Taliban government did not wish to violate anyone’s rights. “No one’s rights should be violated — be it men or women,” he said.
The Taliban leader’s visit to India and the reactions surrounding it have drawn sharp attention amid continued debates over the regime’s treatment of women and restrictions on education for girls in Afghanistan.
