Renowned writer and satirist Anwar Maqsood has apologised for his recent controversial remarks about navy officers after receiving criticisms from social media users on his satirical jibe at the country’s soldiers.
Speaking at the Aalami Urdu Conference at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi on Sunday, Maqsood expressed deep regret regarding his recent remarks about navy officers, saying, “I can’t even imagine joking about our martyrs. Their sacrifices are the reason the country exists, and I am alive today.”
He faced backlash when three days ago at the same Aalami Urdu Conference in Karachi, he recalled a visit to the navy dockyard, saying, “Navy is the most honorable among the army, airforce and navy because they [navy officers] drown themselves to death.”
On Sunday, he clarified, “I only make humorous comments about people who are alive, but I will no longer do so. Many people in the Navy are my friends, and I intended no harm. However, I will not make such jokes again.”
The satirist revealed that some of his friends and family members associated with the navy had grown distant from him due to the controversy. “If my comments hurt anyone, I apologise to them,” he stated.
Maqsood, while rubbishing rumours on social media that he was arrested after his satirical jibe at the navy officers, clarified, “Many friends and family members have been calling from across the world and asking if I was abducted, but I want to clarify that these reports are false.”
However, following his remarks about the Navy officers, social media users were divided.
One social media user said, “It’s a sad reality when the people of #Pakistan can’t even take a joke. #AnwarMaqsood’s satire stings too much for some, but what’s worse is the silence on real issues. Attacks on free speech are common—it’s only a miracle he hasn’t been arrested yet.”
Another social media user wrote, “Dear Anwar Maqsood, you’re 85 years old, right? A Navy soldier who drowns at the age of 20 or 30 has lived a far better life than you.”
Many social media users also posted about his “abduction” after his satirical statement about Navy officers.
Many netizens spread the false news that Anwar Maqsood was abducted or arrested.
