Top Bollywood producer and director Ashoke Pandit referred to Monday’s terrorist attack on the Karachi Stock Exchange as “terrorists killing terrorists” on Twitter.
The firing and grenade attack, carried out by four militants, killed two civilians, four private security guards and one police sub-inspector. Four people were also injured.
“#TerroristsKillTerrorists in #Karachi stock exchange in Pakistan,” wrote Pandit to his audience of over 223,000 followers. He also serves as president of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association.
#TerroristsKillTerrorists in #Karachi stock exchange in Pakistan .
— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) June 29, 2020
The director made the callous comment an hour after the attack, when it was already confirmed by law enforcement agencies that all four gunmen had been killed, and India-linked Balochistan Liberation Army had claimed responsibility for attacking the PSX building.
Many called out Pandit for his insensitive, hate-filled tweet, saying it glorified violence.
Calling innocent victims "terrorists" just because of their nationality is vile. Indians like you are a blot on both country and humanity Mr. Pandit.
— Ram Subramanian (@VORdotcom) June 29, 2020
You should delete your tweet and apologise. https://t.co/2pQI1I47iQ
Indian filmmaker with verified a account and over 200k followers glorifies Karachi terrorist attack. Wonder what will Twitter do about it? @verified @TwitterSupport @Twitter https://t.co/B0I5isxUGz
— Husham Ahmed (@hushamahmed) June 29, 2020
Pandit is also one of three chief advisors of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, the industry body which has warned Indian artists against collaborating with their Pakistani counterparts – even online. The federation also banned Pakistani artists and technicians from working in Bollywood in 2018.
