Islamabad: As the tensions between India and Pakistan brew stronger, with diplomatic ties getting more and more messier, Pakistan FM radio stations stopped airing Indian songs. Indian songs, particularly Bollywood, have a wide audience and fan base in the country, the Times of India reported.
Tensions suddenly escalated after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir.
The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) announced that all Indian music will be taken off FM stations across the country with immediate effect. The decision was confirmed by PBA Secretary General Shakeel Masood, according to PTI.
Pakistan’s information minister, Atta Tarar, applauded the move, calling it a powerful message of unity during difficult times. “The patriotic gesture of the PBA is highly appreciated and reflects the collective sentiment of the entire nation,” he said.
“We all stand united in promoting national unity and supporting core values during such testing times.”
India had blocked some 16 YouTube channels run by Pakistanis, including former Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Basit Ali, contributing to the souring ties between the two nations. Blocked channels include Dawn News, Irshad Bhatti, SAMAA TV, ARY NEWS, BOL NEWS, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, Geo News, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News and Razi Naama.
"This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order," stated a YouTube message when logging into the channels.
On April 22, terrorists opened fire on sightseers in Baisaran meadows, a well-known tourist destination in the mountainous region of Pahalgam.
The attack claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national. Eyewitnesses recounted the chilling moments when the terrorists approached, questioned their religion, and then opened fire at close range. Among the 26 victims, 25 were Hindu men specifically targeted for their faith.