Pakistani Stars Face Backlash for Criticizing India’s Operation Sindoor
Prominent Pakistani actors Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan have faced intense criticism from non-resident Indian (NRI) netizens for their social media comments condemning India’s military operation, Operation Sindoor. The operation, launched on May 7, 2025, targeted nine terrorist hideouts four in Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in South Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives, primarily tourists who were reportedly questioned about their religion before being killed.
Aamir and Khan labeled the Indian strikes as “cowardly” in posts shared on their Instagram accounts, which are no longer accessible in India due to government restrictions imposed after the Pahalgam attack. Screenshots of their statements, however, have circulated widely on X, fueling outrage among NRI communities. One X user wrote, “I’d like Mahira Khan to answer this since you broke your silence about our Operation Sindoor. Where were you when those terrorists killed our people just because they weren’t Muslim? Where were you when 26 of our people were killed? Allah tumhari nahi, hamari raksha kare tum jaiso se.” Another user targeted Aamir, stating, “Wow, Hania Aamir and her low IQ fan brigade really thought they could waltz into Bollywood while their country harbors terrorists? Operation Sindoor just gave them a reality check India isn’t your playground, darling!”
The backlash also referenced the actors’ aspirations in Indian cinema, with one user commenting, “Hania Aamir is calling the Indian Army coward. Iske baad bhi if someone is simping over her while living in India then I don’t know what to say.” Other Pakistani actors, including Fawad Khan and Mawra Hocane, reportedly voiced similar criticisms of Operation Sindoor, though their remarks have also drawn ire. Khan reposted a tweet by writer Fatima Bhutto condemning the strikes, adding, “Seriously cowardly!!! May Allah protect our country, may better sense prevail. Ameen.” Aamir’s post was briefer, simply calling the operation “cowardly.”
The Indian government’s decision to block Pakistani artists’ social media accounts followed the Pahalgam attack, escalating tensions between the two nations. This included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari border crossing. While Operation Sindoor has been praised within India and by some international figures, such as former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who stated, “India is justified, no impunity for terrorists,” the Pakistani actors’ remarks have deepened the divide.