- Javed Akhtar criticised Asif Ali Zardari's comments on Hindu minorities in Pakistan
- Zardari claimed Pakistan tolerates 3-4% Hindu population who prefer living in Pakistan
- Akhtar alluded to Zardari's alleged corruption, calling him insensitive to minorities
Screenwriter Javed Akhtar has strongly criticised Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari for his comments on Hindu minorities in Pakistan. The exchange began with a video from an event to mark Pakistan's Independence Day that surfaced on social media.
In the video, Zardari alleged his country and its Muslim majority "tolerate" the Hindu population that makes up 3-4 per cent of the nation.
"The Indians have a different point of view. They have their own agenda in mind. They believe in Akhand Bharat. But there is a lot in between which they have forgotten," Zardari said in the widely shared video.
"We are Muslims. They are not. But we are Muslims of the mindset that we tolerate 3-4 per cent Hindu population in Pakistan. They are as free, as good as anywhere else they were. They would rather be with us than be with them," the Pakistani leader said.
Reacting to the speech, Akhtar in a post on X took a swipe at Zardari over his reputation as "Mr 10 per cent", alluding to allegations in Pakistan that he was known to take a cut from government projects.
"Mr Zardari of Pakistan who had come into the limelight after Benazeer Bhutto had married says that they tolerate the 3-4 per cent Hindu population in their country. I understand Mr Zardari you have always being insensitive to all under the sun which is less than 10 per cent," the veteran screenwriter said.
Mr Zardari of Pakistan who had come into the limelight after Benazeer Bhutto had married says that they tolerate the 3-4 percent Hindu population Lin their country . I understand Mr Zardari you have always being insensitive to all under the sun which is less than 10 % .
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) August 15, 2026
Akhtar has often spoken strongly against Pakistan's policies and its approach to bilateral relations. In May last year, during a book launch event in Mumbai, Akhtar slammed Pakistan for sponsoring cross-border terrorism and letting terrorists use its territory as a safe haven.
"India has always made genuine efforts to better the relationship with Pakistan. We opened cultural channels with Pakistan and its artists. But you can't clap with one hand, Pakistan never made any solid efforts to make things better," Akhtar said, citing the example of Jammu and Kashmir.
Zardari was sworn in as the 14th president of Pakistan in March 2024. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) managed to form a coalition government after an inconclusive general election in February 2024, marred by delays and widespread allegations of vote-rigging.
