Amid intensifying public anger following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan broke his silence, calling the incident "heinous" and offering condolences to the victims and their families.

In an Instagram story shared on Thursday, Khan 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."

His message comes just ahead of the scheduled May 9 release of Abir Gulaal, a Hindi film that stars him alongside Vaani Kapoor. The timing has reignited debate over cross-border collaborations in the Indian entertainment industry.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a prominent umbrella body representing over five lakh workers from 32 film and TV-related associations, has responded strongly. Citing the renewed threat of terrorism and national sentiment, the organisation has reiterated its ban on Pakistani participation in Indian cinema.

In a formal statement, FWICE said, “Despite our existing advisory, it has come to our notice that Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is part of the upcoming Hindi film Abir Gulaal. In light of the tragic attack in Pahalgam, we are compelled to reaffirm our total ban on Pakistani actors, singers, and technicians in Indian film and entertainment productions, irrespective of the country where such projects are executed.”

FWICE also warned its members against defying this directive. “Any member or affiliate found collaborating with Pakistani nationals will face disciplinary action. We are also taking steps to prevent the release of Abir Gulaal in India,” the body stated.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional political party known for its strong stance on national issues, has pledged to block the film’s release. Ameya Khopkar, head of the MNS cinema wing, said, “We’ve opposed this film from the start. There will be no screening of movies featuring Pakistani artists in Maharashtra. I dare them to release it—we will not allow it.”

Fawad Khan, once celebrated in India for his work in films like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, has repeatedly found himself at the center of controversy during heightened Indo-Pak tensions. Following the 2016 Uri attack, Indian film bodies unofficially banned Pakistani performers, and filmmaker Karan Johar faced backlash for casting Fawad in his film. Similarly, Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees, featuring Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, was also affected by protests.

As nationwide grief and outrage mount over the Pahalgam killings—where civilians were targeted based on religious identity—India has taken wide-ranging diplomatic and strategic actions against Pakistan. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, halting the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistanis, closing the Attari border checkpost, and expelling military advisors from the Pakistani High Commission.

The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made it clear that New Delhi is prepared to take every necessary step to hold Pakistan accountable for supporting terrorism.