Javed Akhtar calls Zardari insensitive over Hindu remarks

Javed Akhtar has criticised Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari for remarks about the country's Hindu minority, calling him “insensitive” in a social media post on Saturday. Akhtar wrote on X that Zardari, who came to prominence after marrying Benazir Bhutto, said Pakistan “tolerates” its 3-4% Hindu population. The screenwriter said Zardari had always been insensitive to anyone below 10%.

Zardari, often called “Mr 10 Percent” over corruption allegations, made the comments during Pakistan’s Independence Day. In a video circulating online, he said Pakistan’s Muslims have a mindset of tolerating Hindus, who are as free as anywhere else. Akhtar has previously accused Pakistan of not reciprocating India’s efforts to improve ties, and said aggression over Kashmir has always come from Pakistan.