The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has strongly condemned Pakistani actors Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan for their "anti-India" statements following India's "Operation Sindoor" in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). AICWA has called their remarks disrespectful to the nation and an insult to the lives lost due to terrorism and the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives.
Operation Sindoor, a strategic military offensive launched by the Indian Armed Forces on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK. This operation was reportedly a response to escalating threats and aimed to neutralize terror networks operating near the border. Intelligence sources indicate that the operation led to the neutralization of at least 17 militants and injured 60 others, with attacks hitting terror training and logistics hubs in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Ahmadpur Sharqia, Faisalabad, and Muridke. Military officials clarified that the mission deliberately avoided Pakistani defense establishments to prevent further escalation. The operation was reportedly a response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
Following the operation, Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan made statements on social media that have sparked outrage in India. Mahira Khan shared a post by Fatima Bhutto, calling the military action "seriously cowardly" and praying for the protection of her country. Fawad Khan expressed condolences to the families of those injured and killed, calling it a "shameful attack" and urging people to stop stoking flames.
AICWA reacted strongly, reaffirming its complete ban on Pakistani artists, filmmakers, and financiers working in India. They have appealed to the Indian film industry to refrain from employing any Pakistani artists. AICWA took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their condemnation of the actors who "have openly criticized India and questioned the nation's actions in defense of its sovereignty".
The reactions of Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan have been met with severe criticism from Indian netizens, who have accused them of supporting terrorism and remaining silent about the Pahalgam attack. Some have also pointed out that these actors were hoping to work in Bollywood.
Other Pakistani actors, such as Hania Aamir and Mawra Hocane, have also voiced their opposition to "Operation Sindoor". Hania Aamir expressed anger and pain, questioning the bombing of innocent people and calling it "shameful" and "cowardly". Mawra Hocane condemned India's "cowardly attack" and prayed for the protection of Pakistan.
The controversy has also led to the geo-blocking of several Pakistani artists' Instagram accounts in India. These accounts now display a message indicating that access has been restricted due to Indian legal compliance.
The incident has further strained relations between the Indian and Pakistani film industries, with AICWA's ban on Pakistani artists likely to remain in effect.
