Pakistani FM radio stations stop airing Indian music following the Pahalgam terror attack, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Lahore: Pakistani FM radio stations on Thursday ceased airing Indian songs following rising tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people lost their lives.
"The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has stopped airing Indian songs on Pakistani FM radio stations across the country with immediate effect," said PBA Secretary General Shakeel Masood.
Indian songs popular among Pakistani audiences
Indian songs, particularly from legendary artists such as Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Mukesh, enjoy immense popularity among Pakistani listeners and are played daily by FM stations across the country.
Government support for PBA decision
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Atta Tarar, praised the PBA’s decision amid speculation that the government had directed the association to halt the airing of Indian songs in light of the current situation between the two nations.
Escalation of tensions post Pahalgam attack
Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan after terrorists killed 26 people, most of them tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on 22 April.
The attack drew swift and widespread condemnation from global leaders, who expressed solidarity with India and denounced terrorism.
India announces retaliatory measures
Following the attack, India announced several punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the only operational land border crossing at Attari, and downgrading of diplomatic ties due to cross-border links to the massacre.
On Wednesday, India further escalated its response by closing its airspace to flights operated by Pakistani airlines.
‘Patriotic gesture’ applauded
In a letter to the PBA, Tarar stated, "The patriotic gesture of the PBA is highly appreciated and reflects the collective sentiment of the entire nation."
He added that banning Indian songs on Pakistani FM stations demonstrates that "we all stand united in promoting national unity and supporting core values during such testing times."
PTI
Published: 01 May 2025, 10:03 pm IST
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