Pakistani actress Hina Khawaja Bayat has strongly criticized the poor condition of facilities at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. Her remarks came through a video she posted on Thursday, expressing disappointment over the absence of running water in the airport washrooms. She said, “At a time when we should be proud of our country, there’s not even water in the airport washrooms.”
Frustration Over Basic Facility Failures
Bayat pointed out how people were struggling to use the bathrooms. She said many were trying to perform wuzu, pray, or help children in the washrooms — but they couldn’t, because of no water. “It’s shameful,” she added.
Government’s Focus Questioned
Bayat didn’t stop at just pointing out the water issue. She openly questioned the government’s priorities. She criticized officials for ignoring essential problems while talking only about major projects.
“Everyone talks about mega projects and development, but who’s fixing the basics?” she asked. “Our airports, institutions — everything’s falling apart. No one wants to take responsibility.”
Instagram Post Highlights Systemic Collapse
In the caption of her video on Instagram, Bayat wrote, “Why have we as a nation become so accepting of poor service, poor systems, poor management, poor maintenance and unending system & institutional damage?”
She continued, “Because we always try and justify the wrongs and prioritize useless endeavours instead of focusing on the everyday basic needs of the common citizen. It's time we take responsibility and fix things before declaring celebrations.”
Rising Tensions With India Over Water Treaty
Bayat’s criticism comes at a time when Pakistan is facing increased pressure from India over the Indus Waters Treaty. India decided to suspend the treaty following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 people.
As a response, India carried out precision airstrikes on May 7. The strikes targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.
India Reiterates Hardline Stance on Talks
India has made it clear that it won’t hold peace talks with Pakistan unless there is a complete stop to cross-border terrorism. “We want to reiterate that terrorism and talks cannot go together,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, on Thursday. He also said, “The only discussions we’re open to are about Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and the return of listed terrorists we’ve been asking for.” Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm position, Jaiswal added, “Terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together.”
Dialogue Still Distant
Though Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently signaled interest in peace talks, India remains firm. Indian officials say meaningful discussions can happen only if Pakistan takes strong and irreversible actions against terrorism.