Javed Akhtar has called on Muslim clerics across the country to publicly denounce a controversial rule attributed to the Taliban, arguing that silence from religious leaders risks being interpreted as tacit approval. The veteran lyricist and screenwriter said the issue transcends borders and concerns the moral authority of faith leaders in confronting actions carried out in religion’s name.Speaking at a public event, Akhtar referred to media reports detailing a directive issued by the Taliban administration in Afghanistan that has drawn international criticism for its impact on civil liberties, particularly those of women. While he did not cite the decree verbatim, his remarks were widely understood to address restrictions imposed under the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic law since their return to power in Kabul in August 2021.
Akhtar, known for his outspoken views on secularism and freedom of expression, said clerics in India have a responsibility to clarify that such measures do not reflect the beliefs or practices of Muslims elsewhere. “If something unjust is done in the name of Islam, then it is the duty of Islamic scholars to say clearly that it is wrong,” he said, stressing that condemnation should be unequivocal.
The Taliban’s rule has been marked by a series of edicts limiting women’s access to education, employment and public life. Girls have been barred from secondary schools and universities, and women have faced restrictions on working with non-governmental organisations and travelling without a male guardian. The United Nations and multiple human rights organisations have described these policies as discriminatory and in violation of international law.
Taliban officials have consistently defended their approach as consistent with their understanding of Sharia and cultural norms. They have maintained that their measures are temporary or necessary to ensure what they call an appropriate Islamic environment. However, many Islamic scholars worldwide have contested this interpretation, arguing that Islam does not mandate blanket prohibitions on women’s education or participation in public life.
Akhtar’s intervention adds a prominent cultural voice to a debate that has often unfolded within diplomatic and religious circles. Over the past three years, governments and multilateral institutions have sought to pressure the Taliban to reverse restrictions, linking humanitarian assistance and recognition to improvements in human rights. Despite this, the core policies have remained in place.
Reactions to Akhtar’s comments have been mixed. Some Muslim organisations and scholars have previously criticised the Taliban’s actions, asserting that they conflate cultural conservatism with religious doctrine. Others have been more cautious, wary of commenting on developments in another sovereign state or of inflaming communal sensitivities at home.
The broader context of his remarks reflects ongoing tensions between free expression and religious identity in public discourse. Akhtar has long positioned himself as a defender of constitutional values and pluralism, frequently speaking out against both majoritarian politics and religious orthodoxy. His critics, however, have at times accused him of singling out particular communities or of making statements that could be misinterpreted.
Legal experts note that the Taliban regime is not formally recognised by most countries, and Afghanistan’s representation at the United Nations remains unresolved. Humanitarian agencies continue to operate in the country amid severe economic hardship, food insecurity and the consequences of decades of conflict. Aid groups have warned that restrictions on female staff hamper the delivery of essential services, especially to women and children.
Within India, discussions about developments in Afghanistan often intersect with domestic debates over minority rights and secular governance. Political leaders across parties have largely refrained from direct commentary on the Taliban’s internal decrees, focusing instead on diplomatic and security considerations. Religious leaders, too, have tended to address the issue in general terms rather than issuing collective statements.