AICWA strongly condemned Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan for their alleged remarks on Operation Sindoor, calling them “an insult to brave soldiers and terror victims,” and demanded a complete boycott of the Pakistani actors in India.
Pakistani actors Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan are facing renewed calls for a boycott in India. The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) criticized statements they allegedly made following India’s Operation Sindoor.
The AICWA is urging the Indian film industry to “cease blindly supporting these artists under the pretext of art.”
The AICWA issued a press release condemning Pakistani actors’ reactions to India’s successful Operation Sindoor. The statement was shared on their X (formerly Twitter) account.
The statement read,
“The statements are not just disrespectful to our nation but also an insult to the countless innocent lives lost due to terrorism and the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country. AICWA reaffirms its strict and complete ban on Pakistani artists, filmmakers, and financiers working in India. No Indian artist will collaborate with any Pakistani talent, nor will any global platform be shared with them.”
The organization also requested a complete cessation of support for Pakistani artists.
The AICWA added,
“It is time for the Indian film industry to understand that blindly supporting these artists under the pretext of art is a betrayal of national pride. Some individuals in our industry continue to show sympathy and support for Pakistani artists, ignoring the sentiments of our nation. AICWA urges these individuals to stop supporting those who openly disrespect India. This is not just about art, it is about standing with your country during critical moments. Our nation must come first.”
The AICWA also called on music companies to take responsibility and halt collaborations with Pakistani musicians.
The statement declared,
“It is unfortunate that several Indian music companies continue to promote Pakistani artists, giving them frequent work and exposure. Many Indian singers also share stages with these artists globally, ignoring the sentiments of the nation. AICWA calls upon these companies and individuals to stop supporting Pakistani talent and to stand with the nation.”
The association further stated,
“Those who insult our nation under the pretext of freedom of speech should not be given the privilege of working in our industry. AICWA stands firmly with the nation, upholding the principle of ‘Nation First’.”
Fawad Khan shared his perspective on India’s Operation Sindoor on Instagram, stating,
“My deepest condolences to the families of those injured and killed in this shameful attack. I pray for the souls of the deceased and strength for their loved ones in the days to come. A respectful request to all: stop stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words. It is not worth the lives of innocent people. May better sense prevail. InshaAllah. Pakistan Zindabad!”
Mahira Khan re-shared a tweet by Fatima Bhutto regarding the strikes, adding,
“Seriously cowardly!!! May Allah protect our country, may better sense prevail.”
The Indian Armed Forces On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision missile strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and several locations across Pakistan. This operation was in direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the deaths of several Indian tourists.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh reported that a total of nine terror sites were targeted and successfully destroyed. She emphasized that the locations were chosen to avoid any harm to civilians and their infrastructure.