Farhan Saeed, Yasir Nawaz call out Indian media's circus

Actors slam reporters, vloggers for concocting theories about Pakistan

In an Instagram Story shared on Thursday, Farhan Saeed called out Indian media's incautious reporting of events following the attack in Pahalgam. The actor-singer began by mentioning that while what happened in Pahalgam was tragic, it's been "cringe-worthy" to see how "the most irresponsible and the agitator" Indian media was handling it.

"[This is] not the first time and I am sure [it will] not [be] the last. It'll keep getting worse," he wrote. "For their troops, they will say anything. And if, God forbid, anything happens between the two countries, they'll be the first ones to run and people from both the countries will suffer! Act responsibly!"

Another actor to share similar sentiments was Yasir Nawaz, who said in a video, "I would like to say something from the bottom of my heart. I have to say this to all the Indian vloggers out there spinning wild theories that yes, we have our political differences, no doubt about that. But when our country is under threat, we stand united, and we back our armed forces without hesitation."

Yasir's video statement reflected on the idea that internal rifts do not impact the unity of Pakistanis in times of crisis, implying that these differences must not be viewed as a weakness by external parties.

Umair Jaswal also took to Instagram to re-share a video in which a couple, who Indian media pronounced dead, came online to clarify that the news was false. As the pair wondered why many media outlets were spreading this misinformation without fact-checking, Umair simply wrote, "Open your eyes, neighbours."

Leading with sympathy

Earlier, Farhan had extended his sympathy towards the victims of the attack on Instagram Stories. "Heartfelt condolences for Pahalgam attack victims and their families," he wrote, adding a heartbreak emoji at the end.

Many of his peers also took to Instagram to voice support for those affected in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir region.

"Tragedy anywhere is a tragedy for all of us," said Hania Aamir. "My heart is with the innocent lives affected by the recent events. In pain, in grief, and in hope – we are one. When innocent lives are lost, the pain is not theirs alone – it belongs to all of us. No matter where we come from, grief speaks the same language. May we choose humanity, always."

Saba Qamar, too, advocated for peace in her statement. "What happened in Pahalgam is heartbreaking. Every life is precious, and any act of violence no matter where it happens or who it involves is a tragedy for humanity. This is not about borders or nations. This is about the pain, the loss, and the deep sadness that follows when innocent lives are taken."

Addressing the victims, she added, "My heart goes out to the families affected. We must choose compassion over hate, understanding over blame, and always remember that peace is the only path forward."

Another celebrity to weigh in on the matter was Mahira Khan, who said, "Violence anywhere in the world, in any shape or form, is an act of mere cowardice. My condolences to all those affected by the attack in Pahalgam."

Mawra Hocane also joined the list by speaking up. "My deepest condolences to the affected families. An act of terrorism against one is terrorism against all. What is happening to the world?" she posed.

Meanwhile, Indian actor Dia Mirza backtracked on an earlier statement supporting cross-border collaboration that resurfaced amid the Federation of Western India Cine Employees's blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists in the Indian entertainment industry.

"To members of the media, stop the misrepresentation of facts," Dia said. "I did an interview for a film of mine on April 10, in which I gave a quote. [That was] long before this horrific terror attack. Stop circulating my quotes now, weeks after and out of context. This is unethical and deeply offensive."