The harrowing events that unfolded in South Kashmir’s scenic town of Pahalgam on April 22 have left a deep scar on the collective conscience of the subcontinent. The brutal terrorist assault claimed the lives of at least 26 individuals and left more than a dozen seriously injured. Disturbingly, many of the victims were innocent tourists—some celebrating their honeymoon—who, according to reports, were targeted after being asked their religion.
This heinous act has prompted an outpouring of grief and condemnation from all corners, cutting across national and cultural lines. While Indian citizens and celebrities were quick to express their anguish, notable voices from across the border in Pakistan also came forward, reinforcing the idea that inhumanity must be condemned no matter where it occurs.
Among the first Pakistani celebrities to publicly respond was acclaimed actress Mahira Khan, best known to Indian audiences for her role opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees. Taking to Instagram on the evening of April 24, Mahira posted a heartfelt message in her stories, stating:
“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.. #pahalgamattack.”
The message was widely shared and appreciated for its empathy. However, Mahira unexpectedly deleted the post just hours later, leaving many followers puzzled. While no official explanation was given, the deletion has since sparked conversation online, with some praising her courage for speaking up, and others speculating on the pressures that may have influenced her decision.
Fellow Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, who has been in the limelight due to his much-anticipated Bollywood comeback in Abir Gulaal, also added his voice to the chorus of condemnation. In a somber social media post, he wrote:
“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.”
Fawad’s message struck a chord with fans across both nations, further proving that art and empathy often transcend political divides.
Actor Hania Aamir, known for her vibrant presence on social media and her roles in Pakistani drama and cinema, took a more emotional route in her response. Sharing a moving message, she wrote:
“Tragedy anywhere is a tragedy for all of us. 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.”
Her words reflected a universal truth—that in the face of violence and loss, the human spirit still seeks unity and peace.
Additional voices from Pakistan’s entertainment industry, including singer-actor Farhan Saeed, actress Mawra Hocane, and television star Usama Khan, also took to their social platforms to mourn the victims and denounce the atrocity. Their expressions of solidarity were echoed by fans who shared messages of peace and compassion, reinforcing a collective yearning for a world where such tragedies are no longer commonplace.
The incident in Pahalgam stands as a stark reminder of how terrorism doesn’t recognize borders, faith, or nationality—it only seeks to destroy. Yet in the aftermath, the shared grief and empathy shown by people across India and Pakistan serve as a testament to the enduring power of human compassion.
Mahira Khan’s short-lived post, while deleted, still resonated powerfully in the hearts of many. It highlights a difficult truth for artists and public figures in volatile political climates: speaking out, even for humanity, often comes at a cost.
As conversations around the attack continue to unfold, one thing remains clear—tragedy may divide by pain, but it also unites by shared humanity. The solidarity seen in these public gestures is a call to not let hate define our times, but rather, to let empathy guide us forward.
