In a move stirred by a surge in cross-border tensions, FM radio stations across Pakistan have stopped airing Indian songs—a staple of the country’s airwaves for decades. The decision, announced on Thursday (May 1) by the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), comes in the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists.“The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has stopped airing Indian songs on Pakistani FM radio stations across the country with immediate effect,” said Shakeel Masood, Secretary General of the PBA.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Atta Tarar publicly supported the decision, calling it a necessary step in the current climate. In a letter to the PBA, Tarar wrote, “The patriotic gesture of the PBA is highly appreciated and reflects the collective sentiment of the entire nation.” He further added that banning Indian songs on FM stations of Pakistan shows that “we all stand united in promoting national unity and supporting core values during such testing times.”
The move follows a string of retaliatory measures taken by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which New Delhi has linked to cross-border militancy. These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the shutdown of the only operational land crossing at Attari, and the downgrading of diplomatic ties. On Wednesday (April 30), India also closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines.The cultural fallout has been swift and wide-ranging. Indian users can no longer access the Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar. Instead, they are met with a message stating, “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” Additionally, India this week banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Atta Tarar publicly supported the decision, calling it a necessary step in the current climate. In a letter to the PBA, Tarar wrote, “The patriotic gesture of the PBA is highly appreciated and reflects the collective sentiment of the entire nation.” He further added that banning Indian songs on FM stations of Pakistan shows that “we all stand united in promoting national unity and supporting core values during such testing times.”
The move follows a string of retaliatory measures taken by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which New Delhi has linked to cross-border militancy. These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the shutdown of the only operational land crossing at Attari, and the downgrading of diplomatic ties. On Wednesday (April 30), India also closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines.The cultural fallout has been swift and wide-ranging. Indian users can no longer access the Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar. Instead, they are met with a message stating, “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” Additionally, India this week banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels.
While political tensions have long cast a shadow over entertainment exchanges, no Pakistani actors have worked in the Indian film industry since the 2016 Uri attack. That freeze continues. Fawad Khan’s comeback film Abir gulaalwhich also stars Vaani Kapoor, did not release in India earlier this month. Fawad Khan was last seen on Indian screens in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).
