WEB DESK: Bollywood poet Javed Akhtar has once again come under fire from Pakistani showbiz personalities for making a provocative statement: “If I have to choose between going to hell or Pakistan, I would prefer to go to hell.”
Comment has ignited widespread outrage on social media, prompting strong reactions from Pakistani celebrities.
Imran Abbas, a prominent actor, sarcastically remarked, “If he hadn’t chosen hell, he might have ended up there anyway—probably in the lower economy class. We offered him only business/first class; perhaps he’s not worthy of any higher.”
Actor Bilal Qureshi echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Aise logon ke liye hi kaha gaya hai: Go to Hell woh bhi Raw-fail mein,” highlighting his disdain.
Ahsan Mohsin Ikram shared an Instagram story criticizing those Pakistani celebrities who had previously welcomed Akhtar warmly, stating, “A moment of silence for all those Pakistani celebrities who welcomed this man with open arms. Shame on them for giving respect to someone who shows no respect for Pakistan. They did it for personal gains. Shame!”
Meanwhile, Asim Mehmood expressed hope that Akhtar’s wishes would be fulfilled, saying, “Meri dua hai ke aapki yeh dili murad jald puri ho. InshaAllah wahin jayenge aap. Sab bolo Aameen!”—praying for his downfall.
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of severe military and diplomatic escalation between Pakistan and India. Following the Pahalgam incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir on April 22, tensions soared. On May 7, India launched multiple airstrikes across Pakistani regions such as Kotli, Bahawalpur, and Muzaffarabad, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 civilians and injuries to over 40.
Pakistan responded assertively, downing six Indian aircraft—including three Rafale jets—in what marked the first combat engagement involving Rafale fighters. Additionally, Pakistani forces shot down over 30 Indian drones across the country.
The conflict intensified further on May 9, when India targeted Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. Pakistan retaliated with Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos on May 10, hitting several Indian military targets, including a BrahMos missile depot in Beas, an airbase in Adampur, and the Pathankot airfield. Pakistani drones reportedly reached New Delhi, and JF-17 fighter jets destroyed India’s S-400 missile defense system in Adampur, highlighting the severity of the ongoing confrontation.
