Senior Pakistani actress Atiqa Odho has come under fire from fellow artists and social media users following her recent remarks calling artists ‘ambassadors of love.’
In a recent talk show appearance, Odho said that artists are not meant to take sides in conflicts or wars, but instead should promote peace and love.
“We have nothing to do with wars—we are ambassadors of love,” she stated, urging artists from both nations to refrain from making hateful remarks.
The statement triggered backlash in the entertainment industry.
Actress Rabya Kulsoom criticised Odho’s stance, calling it a ‘soft image excuse.’ Kulsoom said, ‘Artists who cannot speak up for their country are simply hiding behind soft diplomacy,’ adding that public figures have a greater responsibility to defend their homeland.
Actress Mishi Khan also weighed in, calling Odho’s statement ‘irresponsible.’ She argued that in times of conflict, silence from public figures is unacceptable and that artists must speak openly in support of their country.
Furthermore, she wrote, ‘What a senseless comparison from Covid to War. I mean, I expected more or a better statement from Atiqa Odho, who is a veteran artist. Loyalties are good, but not to this extent.’
The actress’s comments followed heightened India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India, without presenting evidence, blamed Pakistan and launched strikes on Pakistani territory. Pakistan vehemently rejected India’s allegations, called for an independent probe and responded with retaliatory action, pushing the two nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of full-scale war.
Though a ceasefire, anounced and brokered by the United States, eventually halted cross-border strikes, underlying political tensions persisted—morphing into an unrelenting “war of narratives.”
While Pakistan publicly credited US President Donald Trump — along with China and Gulf states — for playing a vital role in defusing tensions, India has downplayed foreign involvement.
Indian officials insisted the truce was the result of direct bilateral talks, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarifying that trade was never part of discussions with US officials.
Trump, has however, reiterated his stance twice following the initial announcement.
