Fawad Khan calls for unity in long-awaited statement on India-Pak relations

In the midst of what has been a trying week for Pakistani and Indian actors who have worked on cross-border projects, Fawad Khan has finally released a statement calling for India-Pak unity.

In a Facebook post published today, the actor made clear that he had not traveled to India in the recent past, saying:

"I've been in Lahore since July as my wife and I had been expecting our second child. I've received numerous requests from the media and from well wishers worldwide asking me for my thoughts on the sad incidents that took place in the past few weeks. As a father of two little children, I pray and wish like many others that together we can build and live in a more peaceful world. I believe we owe it to our children who will shape our tomorrow."

He continued:

"This is the first time I have spoken on the matter. Please disregard any other words attributed to me during this time because I have not said them. I thank all my fans and fellow artists from Pakistan, India and people in general all over the world who have shown continued support for their belief in love and understanding to unite a divisive world."

Following the Uri incident and deteriorating relations between India and Pakistan, one of the biggest hits was felt by Pakistani and Indian actors.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association's (IMMP) banned Pakistani talent from working in India, which invited criticism not only from Pakistan but within India too. Pakistani cinemas responding by refusing to air Indian movies locally.

There has been much speculation about the fate of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, the Indian movie that Fawad Khan is set to feature in. Only today, Indian newspapers reported that Fawad Khan will not be promoting the film in India.