Javed Akhtar slams Pakistan PM Imran Khan, says he has thrown a ‘no ball’

Noted Bollywood lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar on Tuesday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for his statement saying he had thrown a ‘no ball’. “Imran has thrown a no ball. Every time they ask what makes you think it’s our doing. After the Mumbai terrorist attack, a Pakistan TV anchor asked me why you are so sure it is Pakistan it can be any country I said fine I will give you 3 choose one. Brazil, Sweden, and Pakistan.”

Earlier in the day, Khan said that he understood it was India's election year and the narrative of blaming Pakistan would make it easier to get votes from the masses but he hoped that better sense will prevail and that India would be open to dialogue.

He said that Delhi holds Pakistan responsible each time an incident happens in Kashmir and makes Pakistan its "whipping boy" again and again.

"The Kashmir issue like the Afghan issue will be resolved through talks. If you have any actionable intelligence that a Pakistani is involved. Give it to us. I guarantee you we will take action - not because we are under pressure, but because they are acting as enemies of Pakistan," he said.

"I have been hearing and seeing on the Indian media that politicians there are calling for revenge from Pakistan. If India thinks it will attack Pakistan, then we will not just think but retaliate," Khan added.

"Starting a war is in our hands, it is easy. But ending a war, that is not in our hands and no one knows what will happen,” Khan said.