Key points
- India blocks Pakistani media pages, suspends 20+ public figures’ accounts
- Zara Gill’s peace song banned in Punjab, still goes viral
- Critics say bans target unity voices, control narrative
ISLAMABAD: Amid simmering tensions between neighbouring nations India and Pakistan, the Modi-led government in India has launched a wave of restrictive measures that many see as a crackdown on voices promoting cross-border harmony, prompting a storm of criticism and concern among peace advocates and artists alike.
The latest target is Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. A fan-favourite with over 18.3 million followers on Instagram, she has been dropped from the upcoming Indian-Punjabi film Sardar Ji 3.
The film, starring industry heavyweights Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, recently wrapped filming in the UK. Hania’s involvement had stirred excitement across both nations, symbolising a rare moment of cinematic collaboration. But following the Pahalgam incident, her scenes are now expected to be reshot with a new actress — despite the production already being complete.
Abuzz with speculation
Indian media has been abuzz with speculation, but no official statement has yet been issued by either Hania or the production house. Still, insiders suggest the decision came amid political pressure and growing Indo-Pak hostilities.
This move comes in the wake of another high-profile cultural controversy. The Indian government has banned a song by Sikh singer Zara Gill, whose viral track delivered a heartfelt message of peace and unity.
Titled with the opening line “Asi Murdabad Nahi Keh Sakde, Bhul Ke Vi Pakistan Nu” (We cannot ever curse Pakistan, not even by mistake), the song resonated deeply with Sikhs across the border.
Historical ties
It paid tribute to Pakistan’s spiritual and historical ties with Sikhism, particularly its connection to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who spent much of his life in what is now Pakistani territory.
Though banned in Indian Punjab, the song has exploded in popularity online, garnering hundreds of thousands of views and sparking passionate discussions.
Supporters hail it as a brave and emotional ode to shared heritage, while critics accuse the Indian government of trying to suppress any narrative that defies the political status quo.
Earlier, authorities have blocked numerous Pakistani TV and YouTube channels, and taken down social media accounts of more than two dozen Pakistani analysts and celebrities, fueling claims of digital censorship.
Silencing tactics
Observers say this rising tide of bans and silencing tactics signals a dangerous retreat from dialogue and diplomacy.
“Suppressing art and artists who speak of peace only deepens the divide,” said one analyst. “It’s a message that love, unity, and cultural memory have no space in today’s political discourse.”
Despite the bans, both Zara Gill’s song and Hania Aamir’s popularity continue to grow, underscoring the public’s yearning for connection, not conflict.
Critics argue that the ban reflects a calculated move by the Modi government to stifle voices of peace and cultural kinship, silencing any expression that dares to bridge the growing Indo-Pak divide, or to mitigate the tension at least.
