ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has banned the broadcast of Indian songs on all FM radio stations under its jurisdiction, in response to rising tensions with India.
The move came after the April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting called the ban on Indian songs on FM stations a “principled and patriotic” step. In an official letter, the ministry said the decision shows national unity during a sensitive time. “This patriotic gesture reflects the nation’s collective sentiment,” the letter stated.
India blocks Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebrities’
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also praised the PBA, saying the decision upheld “national dignity and sovereignty.” In his letter to PBA Secretary General Shakeel Masud, he thanked the association for taking the step independently and noted the media’s role in promoting unity.
“This initiative reaffirms the nation’s resolve,” Tarar wrote. He appreciated the media’s support for the government’s broader goal of promoting patriotism and cohesion.
India had blocked the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani celebrities — including actors Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar and Olympic javelin star Arshad Nadeem — from being accessed.
Earlier India had also banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels which include major Pakistani news outlets such as Dawn, Geo News, ARY News, Bol News, Samaa TV, Suno News, and Raftar.
YouTube channels of prominent journalists, including Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq, were also banned.,