A social media reel shared by the official Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) account has drawn criticism after it featured “Safar”, a song by Pakistani band Bayaan, in a video highlighting the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link infrastructure project.
The reel showcases the newly developed infrastructure along the Mumbai-Pune route while Bayaan’s song plays in the background.
Bayaan is a Lahore-based Pakistani band. “Safar” appears on the group’s 2024 album of the same name.
The use of the Pakistani track quickly caught the attention of social media users, with several questioning the BJP’s decision to use Pakistani music while India has imposed restrictions on Pakistani artists and Pakistan-origin entertainment content.
One user wrote, “Imagine banning Pakistani artists and Pakistani music in the name of nationalism, only to use a Pakistani song when it suits you. The hypocrisy is louder than the music.”
Another asked, “Why are you using Pakistani song?”
One comment read, “Selling anti-Pakistan narrative to Indian people since last 20 years and then using Pakistani songs on social media posts, is such an audacious thing.”
Another reaction stated: “Using Pakistani song and then proceed to talk shit about Pakistan.”
“So hypocritical that they banned Pakistani artists, but when it suits them, they use Pakistani songs on their reels,” another user commented.
The reactions come amid continued restrictions on Pakistani artists and entertainment content in India.
Following the Pakistan-India militaly clashes in May 2025, Indian authorities moved against Pakistani films, music, web series and other digital content.
The Indian government advised OTT platforms and digital streaming services to remove content originating from Pakistan, including films, music, podcasts and web series.
