Pakistan’s celebrities are offering heartfelt condolences after gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists on Tuesday in Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, leaving at least 24 dead.
“At least 24 people have been killed,” a senior police officer in Kashmir told AFP on condition of anonymity, calling it the worst attack on civilians in years.
Pahalgam, a popular destination in the scenic Muslim-majority territory, draws thousands of visitors every summer as gunmen violence has reduced in recent years.
Celebrities react
Following the incident, some of the biggest names in Pakistani entertainment took to social media to denounce the “horrifying event.”
Fawad Khan, whose upcoming Bollywood film Abir Gulaal is now facing increased opposition in India, took to Instagram on Wednesday night and wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.”
Hania Aamir, set to star in a movie with Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh, said, “Tragedy anywhere is a tragedy for all of us. My heart is with the innocent lives affected by the recent events. In pain, in grief and in hope — we are one.”
The actor went on to say that when innocent lives were lost, the pain was shared by everyone. “No matter where we come from, grief speaks the same language. May we choose humanity, always.”
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Singer Annural Khalid prayed for the victims of the tragedy and their families. “Sick, sick world we live in,” she wrote on her Instagram story.
In a second post, Khalid clarified that she did not speak up on atrocities based on personal preferences. “Violence and terror has no place on earth and has never been the solution to anything.
“I stand with our oppressed brothers and sisters in Parachinar, Balochistan, Hazara community equally as those in Falasteen […] Respectfully, to all keyboard warriors, stop being insensitive and gather some intellect.”
Singer and actor Farhan Saeed offered his “heartfelt condolences” to the victims and their families, and signed his post with a broken heart emoji.
Mawra Hocane, who recently featured in the music video for Indian singer Akhil Sachdeva’s track ‘Tu Chaand Hai’, offered her deepest condolences to the affected families.
“An act of terrorism against one is terrorism against all… What’s happening to the world?” the actor questioned.
Actor Anmol Baloch prayed for peace and healing and said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Pahalgam. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. May they find strength in this time of immense loss.”
Ahsan Khan, also in an Instagram story, wrote, “Terrorism has no religion.” He offered his heartfelt condolences to the victims of the attack.
Danish Taimoor said, “Deeply saddened by the news from Pahalgam. My condolences go out to the families affected by the tragedy in Pahalgam. May healing and peace come swiftly.”
Actor Usama Khan on X (formerly Twitter) offered his heartfelt condolences to the victims. “Terrorism is condemnable, regardless of where it occurs, whether in Pakistan, India or anywhere else. We should stand against such violence.”
Director and producer Wajahat Rauf said, “If you kill one innocent person, it is as if you have killed the entire humanity. My heart and prayers go out to the victims and the families of the Pahalgam attack.”
Singer Shamoon Ismail prayed for the victims and called the attack “truly a horrifying event. May justice prevail.”
Singer Shae Gill said, “My heart goes out to the survivors and the departed souls from the Phalagam incident. Praying for their families.”
In the wake of the attack, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) called for a boycott of Pakistani artists, The Indian Express reported. In a statement, it said, “In the wake of these repeated attacks, FWICE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to national interest and solidarity. We reiterate our directive, originally issued on February 18, 2019, calling for complete non-cooperation with all Pakistan artists, singers, and technicians within the Indian film and entertainment industry.”
The statement maintained that any members of FWICE working with Pakistani actors would face disciplinary action.
According to NDTV, Ashoke Pandit, the chief advisor of FWICE who also serves as the president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association, said, “This incident is an act of war against the nation. This isn’t the first time…these attacks have been ongoing for 30 years. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work Pakistanis.”
