Javed Akhtar slams Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari over Hindu remark, revives ‘Mr 10 Per Cent’ jibe

A fresh political controversy has erupted after veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar criticised Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari over comments made during Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations regarding the country’s Hindu minority population.

The debate began after a video of Zardari’s speech surfaced online in which he spoke about Hindus living in Pakistan while comparing their situation with that of Hindus in India.

His use of the word “tolerate” while referring to Pakistan’s Hindu population drew criticism from several quarters, including Akhtar.

What did Asif Ali Zardari say?

Speaking during Pakistan's Independence Day celebrations, Zardari said that Pakistan's Hindu minority enjoys freedom and claimed that many would prefer living in Pakistan.

During the speech, he stated that Pakistan “tolerates” its Hindu population and described them as being free and secure within the country.

The remarks quickly attracted attention online, with critics questioning the use of the word “tolerate” for citizens belonging to a religious minority.

Javed Akhtar's response

Javed Akhtar responded strongly through a post on social media platform X.

The veteran writer questioned Zardari's choice of words and used the opportunity to reference the Pakistani President's long-standing controversial nickname.

“Mr Zardari of Pakistan who had come into the limelight after Benazir Bhutto had married says that they tolerate the 3-4 per cent Hindu population in their country. I understand, Mr Zardari, you have always been insensitive to all under the sun, which is less than 10 per cent,” Akhtar wrote.

The comment was widely interpreted as a reference to Zardari's nickname, “Mr 10 Per Cent.”

Why is Zardari called ‘Mr 10 Per Cent’?

The nickname dates back to the late 1980s and early 1990s when corruption allegations were repeatedly levelled against Zardari.

Critics accused him of seeking a 10 per cent commission on government contracts and business deals during periods when his late wife, former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, was in power.

Although Zardari consistently denied the allegations, the nickname remained attached to his political image and continues to be referenced by critics.

The phrase gained widespread public attention following the dismissal of Benazir Bhutto's government in 1990, when allegations of corruption surfaced against several members of the administration.

Javed Akhtar’s previous criticism of Pakistan

This is not the first time Javed Akhtar has publicly criticised Pakistan.

Over the years, the lyricist and screenwriter has frequently commented on India-Pakistan relations, cross-border terrorism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

At a public event in Mumbai last year, Akhtar argued that India had repeatedly attempted to improve relations with Pakistan through cultural engagement and people-to-people exchanges.

He also accused Pakistan of failing to reciprocate those efforts and criticised the country's handling of terrorism-related concerns.

His comments at the time sparked extensive debate across both countries.

Social media reaction

Akhtar’s latest remarks have generated significant discussion online, with many users sharing clips of Zardari’s speech alongside the writer’s response.

Supporters argued that describing a religious minority as a group that is merely “tolerated” raises concerns about equal citizenship and inclusivity.

Others viewed Akhtar’s response as a sharp political rebuttal that revived one of the most controversial labels associated with the Pakistani President.

Renewed focus on minority rights in Pakistan

The controversy has once again brought attention to the condition of religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and other non-Muslim communities.

Human rights groups have periodically raised concerns about issues including forced conversions, discrimination and limited political representation for minority communities.

Zardari’s remarks, and the reaction they triggered, have reignited debate over how minority rights are discussed and perceived in Pakistan.

As the conversation continues online, Akhtar’s criticism has added another chapter to his long history of outspoken commentary on India-Pakistan relations and political developments in the region.