Fawad Khan condemns Pahalgam attack amid Abir Gulaal ban by film federation

Actor Fawad Khan condemned the Pahalgam terror attack after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced a blanket ban on Pakistani artists. His film, 'Abir Gulaal', which was slated for release on May 9, has now been banned.

In Short

• Fawad Khan expressed his sorrow over the Pahalgam terror attack
• Film federation reiterated the 2019 directive of blanket ban on Pakistani artists
• Fawad Khan's upcoming release, 'Abir Gulaal', has been halted in India after the attack

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan wrote that he was deeply saddened by the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of at least 26 people. His message comes at a time when the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced a blanket ban on Pakistani artists. It is to be noted that Fawad's upcoming film, 'Abir Gulaal', with Vaani Kapoor slated for a release on May 9, will not see the light of the day.

In his message on Instagram, Fawad Khan mentioned that his thoughts and prayers are with the victims at this hour. "Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam (sic)," his message read.

"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 (sic)," the Instagram story read.

Here's the post:

Amid the ghastly attack on tourists in the Baisaran valley of Pahalgam, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its 2019 directive against Pakistani artists in India. The growing tensions between India and Pakistan following the attack has now affected the release of 'Abir Gulaal' and collaboration with Pakistani artists.

On Wednesday, the FWICE issued a statement condemning the cowardly attack on innocent tourists. With a reference to the 2019 Pulwama attack, the association wrote, "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," it further mentioned.

The film body also pointed out that they will take all the necessary steps to stop the release of 'Abir Gulaal'.

"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," the statement read.

Further, the federation announced that it will take action against directors, technicians and production houses for collaborating with Pakistani artists.

"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," read the statement.

FWICE expressed its solidarity with the victims of the attack and urged the film fraternity to uphold the spirit of national integrity.

'Abir Gulaal' was slated for a release on May 9 globally. The film features Fawad Khan, Vaani Kapoor, Soni Razdan and Ridhi Dogra in pivotal roles. At this juncture, it is to be noted that 'Abir Gulaal's' release has been stopped in India.

On Tuesday, gunmen opened fire against tourists in the Baisaran valley of Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. One of the worst terror attacks ever, the incident -- that took place at around 2.30 pm -- claimed at least 26 lives, including 2 foreigners.