Lahore:Pakistan continues to suffer at the hands of terrorism and insensitive remarks can deeply hurt sentiments, says singer-actor Ali Zafar, under attack for performing at an event in honour of Indian lyricist Javed Akhtar who hit the headlines with his comments on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Akhtar, who was in Pakistan for a festival in memory of celebrated Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz last week, said Pakistanis should not feel offended when India talks about the 2008 terror attack.
He also attended a gathering where Zafar performed a couple of songs written by him. "I am a proud Pakistani and naturally no Pakistani would appreciate any statement against its country or people especially at an event meant to bring hearts closer than further," Zafar said on Thursday evening in an Instagram post without naming Akhtar.
"We all know how much Pakistan has suffered and continues to suffer at the hands of terrorism and such insensitive and uncalled-for remarks can deeply hurt the sentiments of so many people," he added. Tackling criticism over his performance, videos of which were circulated widely on social media platforms, Zafar said he was not aware of what Akhtar had said.
"I love you all and truly value your praise and criticism equally. But I always request one thing - verify facts before reaching any conclusion or judgment. I was not present at the Faiz Mela nor aware of what was said until the next day when I saw it on social media," the 42-year-old singer said. Akhtar's remarks at the Faiz festival came in response to a question from a member of the audience.