Pakistan bans Indian songs on FM radio as tensions rise with arch-rivals

The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has decided to stop broadcasting Indian songs on FM radio stations nationwide, following the escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India.

This decision comes in the wake of the 22 April attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir, which led to the deaths of 26 Indian tourists. In response, India has reportedly imposed a ban on Pakistani artists, television dramas, and entertainment channels, and has restricted access to the Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan and Hania Aamir. Users in India now encounter a message stating that these accounts are unavailable due to legal requests.

Following these bans, the PBA announced the suspension of Indian content on local FM radio stations, a move that has received support from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In an official letter, the ministry described the decision as a “principled” one, reflecting a unified national sentiment during a period of heightened political tension.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar expressed his support for the ban in a letter to PBA Secretary General Shakeel Masud. He commended the PBA for independently taking this initiative, highlighting that it reinforces a spirit of national unity. “This patriotic act is greatly valued and mirrors the collective sentiments of the entire nation,” he stated. He also mentioned that the decision demonstrates “a strong sense of national solidarity” and upholds “the dignity and sovereignty of the nation.”

Tarar also praised the media’s role during what he called a pivotal time. According to him, such decisions reflect the commitment of media stakeholders to promoting peace, unity, and the national interest. He concluded his letter with gratitude to the PBA and all involved parties for aligning their actions with the government’s broader objectives.

This is not the first time entertainment has become entangled in political disputes between the two nations, but this move marks a new chapter in the recurring cycle of bans that typically surface during periods of tension.