Javed Akhtar upset with Taliban's comments on women, urges civilised societies to condemn their actions

Taliban spokesperson Sayed Zekrullah Hashimi's recent statement to TOLO News - Afghanistan's news channel - has deeply upset lyricist-poet Javed Akhtar.

In a brief interview, Hashimi said that women weren't meant to lead the country or become cabinet members. He implied that their only role is to bear children and stay at home.

"A woman can't be a minister, it is like you put something on her neck that she can't carry. It is not necessary for women to be in the cabinet - they should give birth. Women protesters can't represent all women in Afghanistan," the spokesperson was quoted saying.



Disappointed with the democratic countries that are willing to shake hands with the Taliban, the 76-year-old activist wrote, "What a shame!"


In a two-part Twitter post, the famed screenwriter urged every individual, democratic government and civilised society in the world to condemn the Taliban for repressing Afghani women.

If the world fails to do so, Akhtar further added that one must forget living in a world that is just and humane.


Earlier this week, Akhtar came under attack from the Shiv Sena and the VHP for his comments that appear to equate the RSS and other right-wing outfits with the militant group that has seized power in Afghanistan. Soon after, police stepped up security outside his Mumbai home.

Akhtar had told a news channel that right wing all over the world has an uncanny similarity. "The Taliban want an Islamic country. These people want to make a Hindu Rashtra," the veteran lyricist said without naming the RSS.