The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has intensified its opposition to Pakistani artists, targeting Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan over their recent criticism of India’s missile strikes on Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The association reiterated its long-standing demand for a complete and uncompromising ban on any collaboration with Pakistani talent.
In a statement, AICWA accused Mahira Khan of labeling India’s military strikes as “seriously cowardly,” and criticized Fawad Khan for allegedly promoting divisive sentiments while remaining silent on terrorism. The association claimed that such remarks disrespected the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and insulted the nation.
Pakistani celebrities took to social media shortly after the airstrikes, expressing their condemnation of the attacks. Mahira Khan, in an Instagram Story, called the strikes “seriously cowardly” and prayed for peace and protection for Pakistan. “You attack cities in the middle of the night and call it a victory? Shame on you,” she added in a separate post.
Fawad Khan also shared his sorrow, offering condolences to the families affected. In his message, he called for restraint and urged people not to incite further violence through inflammatory remarks. “A respectful request to all: stop stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words. It is not worth the lives of innocent people,” he said.
AICWA responded strongly, declaring that no Indian artist would be allowed to work with Pakistani talent or share any global platform with them. They also condemned Indian music labels and performers for engaging with Pakistani artists on international projects, calling such acts “a betrayal of national pride.”
The association went on to criticize the upcoming film Abir Gulal for featuring Fawad Khan, calling it an insult to the memory of those who lost their lives in attacks like the 2019 Pulwama incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
AICWA has previously called for similar bans in 2016 and 2019 during periods of heightened cross-border tension.
