The Indian government needs to do its job protecting cultural exchange, says Atiqa Odho

Mahira Khan won't be promoting Raees in India but things are looking up as her fellow Pakistani actors Adnan Siddiqui and Sajal Aly just got visas to Delhi for the completion of their Indian film, the Sridevi-starrer Mom.

That being said, veteran actress Atiqa Odho feels like there's still a long way to go before we mend ties.

The Humsafar star will be seen in the A-Plus serial Laikin next, alongside Sara Khan from across the border.

Speaking to Images, she shares, "We're delighted to have Sara among us. I only wish India treated our artists with the same respect as Pakistan has always treated their artists working in our industry. It's a shame that Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan are unable to go back to work in India or unable to promote upcoming projects due to extremists attacking them and their good image there."

"Why were they targeted specifically? Because they became high-profile actors in india and certain people obviously don't like it when Pakistan shines and shows its real talent which is related to art and culture."

She adds, "I request the Indian government to stop such people from using actors as soft targets to play their dirty politics on. The Indian government, just like the Pakistani government needs to do its job protecting cultural exchange between the nations. Actors are goodwill ambassadors and must be treated and protected as such."

Props to her for telling it how it is!