• Source:JND
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Screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar criticised the respect and reception given to Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Delhi. The Minister is on six days visit to India, his first trip to the country as a Taliban leader, since the Taliban group seized power in Afghanistan in 2021. He also slammed Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur, which is one of the most influential Islamic seminaries in South Asia, for welcoming the Minister with so much respect.

Javed Akhtar tweeted, “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 “ Islamic Hero” who is one of those who have completely banned girls education. My Indian brothers n sisters !!! what is happening to us.”

Also read: Anurag Kashyap Recalls Javed Akhtar Asking ‘Aapko Paise Kamane Se Dikkat Hai Kya’ After Watching Mukkabaaz

Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India after the UN Security Council's Taliban Sanctions Committee approved an exemption to the travel ban imposed on him. Muttaqi was listed by the UN Security Council on January 25, 2001. At that time, it was subjected to several aspects like travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. India has not yet recognised the Taliban set up.

Also read: Muttaqi's Press Meet Sparks Outrage: Why Did Taliban Exclude Female Reporters In India

Recently, a huge debate over the absence of female journalists at Amir Khan Muttaqi’s media interaction in Delhi. Several opposition leaders described the absence of female reporters at the press conference on Friday as ‘unacceptable’ and an ‘insult to women’. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that it has no involvement in the press conference. Later, the Minister addressed the issue at another press meet on Sunday.

Amir Khan Muttaqi said, “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 also added, “Our colleagues had decided to send invitations to specific journalists and there was no other intention.”