Pakistan-born Canadian writer Tarek Fatah on Saturday said Kashmiri Pandits should return to the Valley. Speaking during the launch of his book Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State at India Habitat Centre, Fatah urged the Muslim community to come forward for the support of Kashmiri Pandits and help them in settlement in Kashmir. Former Punjab Police chief KPS Gill was the chief guest of the function. large number of Kashmiri students especially came to Delhi to attend the function and meet the author.
Fatah said that the Indian Government should not support Pakistan and its policies related to Kashmir. “I do not agree with the fundamentals of Aman Ki Asha. Kashmiri people face many difficulties and being a Muslim, I want every Indian Muslim should come forward to support Kashmiri natives,” he said. Fatah is a known critic of Pakistan’s policies. He is a staunch critic of Pakistan through his articles and columns, which have earned him much controversy.
In February 2013, the website of the Toronto Sun, where Fatah contributes his articles, was blocked in Pakistan. According to reports, the block was likely due to Fatah’s unsparing critiques of Pakistan published in the tabloid. Fatah is also banned from making public speeches or lectures in Pakistan. Currently, he hosts The Tarek Fatah Show on Sunday afternoons. He also has a weekly column in the Toronto Sun and was a frequent guest on the now defunct Sun News Network. Speaking on the occasion, veteran journalist Saeed Naqvi shared the views about International Image of Indian Muslims. “The evolution of Indian Muslim is not by the religion only but it is by the hereditary with the time,” said Naqvi.