New Delhi/IBNS: Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar has slammed Javed Akhtar for saying the Mumbai attackers are roaming freely in Islamabad after the former faced backlash at home over hosting the celebrated Indian lyricist-poet, media reports said.

Ali took to his Instagram story to say, "Guys, I love you all and truly value your praise and criticism equally. But I always request one thing – verify facts before reaching any conclusion or judgement. I was not present at the Faiz Mela nor aware of what was said until the next day when I saw it on social media."

"I am a proud Pakistani and naturally no Pakistani would appreciate any statement against its country or people specially at an event meant to bring hearts closer than further. We all know how much Pakistan has suffered and continues to suffer at the hands of terrorism and such insensitive and uncalled for remarks can deeply hurt the sentiments of so many people," he added.

Previously, Ali had hosted Akhtar at a party.

But soon after Akhtar made the remark, Ali was targeted by several Pakistanis prompting the actor to slam the lyricist.

While attending an event in Lahore, Akhtar was quoted as saying in a video that has gone viral: "We saw how Mumbai was attacked."

"They (the perpetrators) are still roaming freely in your country," he said.

He pointed out that Pakistan never hosted a mega event for Lata Mangeshkar while India organized major concerts of artists Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehdi Hasan.

"We hosted several big events for Nusrat and Mehdi Hasan but no performance of Lata Mangeshkar was ever organized in your nation," he said.

Ali has worked in Bollywood films Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Chashme Baddoor and Dear Zindagi.