Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor took to Instagram stories on Wednesday to condemn the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Meanwhile, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also issued a statement reiterating a ban on Pakistani artists, saying that it will take steps to ensure that Fawad and Vaani’s film Abir Gulaal is not released in India.
Fawad wrote on Instagram, “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.”
Vaani said, “Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families.”
FWICE condemned the attack in their statement issued on Wednesday. "This despicable act, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF)-a proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-specifically targeted a religious community, echoing the horror of the Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.
“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,” they said.
Mentioning Fawad and Vaani’s film, FWICE added, “Despite this ongoing directive, we have been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film Abir Gulaal. In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world.”
They further issued a warning to actors, directors and production houses to not work with Pakistani artists and said, “FWICE would like to emphasise that any member of our organisation or its affiliate associations such as the actors, directors, other technicians and Producers or the Production houses found cooperating with Pakistani personnel will be subject to disciplinary action. Further, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that Abir Gulaal is not released in India.”
The attack took place on Tuesday afternoon after terrorists opened fire at civilians, mostly tourists, in the Baisaran valley of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam leaving over 26 dead and several others injured.