In the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, actor Zayn Ibad Khan took to Instagram to express his anguish and call out what he perceives as selective outrage among Indian Muslims. “To all HINDUSTANI Muslims. We raised our voices for Palestine. We boycotted for Gaza. But when innocent Indians are massacred by Pakistan-backed terror, all we offer is a fleeting story – ‘All Eyes on Pahalgam.’ Why is our outrage louder for others, but silent for our own?”
Khan’s impassioned message didn’t stop there. He further questioned the national allegiance of those who prioritize international causes over domestic tragedies: “If your solidarity lies more with Palestinian Muslims and less with your own country people ‘INDIANS’ (irrespective of the religion), it’s clear where your allegiance lies. Being Muslim and being Indian are not opposites. I am a PROUD HINDUSTANI first who belongs to the Muslim community. If my post unsettles you, it only reveals where your loyalties lie. If you stand with Pakistan in any goddamn way, do me a favour – unfollow me. We are not the same. Jai Hind!”
The Pahalgam Attack: A Nation in Mourning
The Pahalgam attack, executed by militants affiliated with The Resistance Front—a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba—targeted tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the assailants identified victims based on their religion before opening fire, making it one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
A Call for Unified Patriotism
Zayn Ibad Khan’s message serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding national and religious identities in India. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, his words challenge citizens to reflect on their allegiances and the importance of standing united against terrorism, irrespective of religious affiliations.
In times of national tragedy, voices like Khan’s underscore the need for solidarity, urging all Indians to prioritize their shared identity over divisive narratives.
