Pakistan just might not care about the Indian ban on local artists

Published on: March 6, 2018 8:06 PM

On February 22, 2018, the Federation Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) agreed to ban Pakistani artists and technicians from working in Indian films and TV serials, in a unanimous vote. Following this, singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo called for a revised ban on Pakistani artists working in India as well. Indeed, these decisions were made in light of the growing tensions and deteriorating relations between the two countries as of late.

#BanPakArtists and #PSL2018
Bth trends are trending in India 😃😃 India please decide what you actually want 😂😂😂#PSL2018 pic.twitter.com/XufIOHS0mZ

— Syeda Sharmeen Rizvi (@SharmeenRizvi) February 22, 2018

If Banning Pak Artist Will Bring Back Nirav Modi & The Money He Looted Then Please #BanPakArtists

If Banning Pak Artists Will Help India’s GDP Then Please #BanPakArtists

If Banning Pak Artists Will Help Put Food On Everyone’s Plate Then Please #BanPakArtists

— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRai) February 22, 2018

However, time and again, Pakistan’s multi-talented array of performers have proved that their facet of skill and achievements do not need any validation from across the border.

While many artists decided to keep mum on the matter, a few celebrities from the Pakistani film industry took to social media to comment on the ban:

As a Pakistani artist I feel so happy about a step taken by Pakistani state officials. Above picture: India officially bans Pakistani artists Below picture: Pakistani government announces first ever film policy. Highlights of our new policy: Establishment of finance fund and a film academy, building of film studios, restoration of the Directorate of Films and Publications, abolition of duty on import of film equipment, film censor fee and sales tax, inclusion of artists in the health scheme, and 70% rebate to foreign film producers on travelling allowance and eatables. According to the policy, only Pakistani films would be screened on national holidays. Pakistan Zindabad! I swear to work harder than ever before and show the world what great cinema we can make just like we are lightyears ahead of (them) in our TV. #zahidahmed #pakistanfilmpolicy #proudmoment

A post shared by Zahid Ahmed (@zahid.ahmed.official) on Mar 1, 2018 at 12:48am PST

“Thank you for banning us. You have given us a chance to make an Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah and other big stars in Pakistan,” voiced actor Adnan Shah Tipu in a Facebook video.

Tipu went on to say, “Pakistan is my mother. If I say anything to your mother, you will feel offended. Likewise, if you say anything about my mother, will I be ecstatic about it?”

“Go play your game, we will play ours. You’ve banned us. Thank you very much.”

“Pakistan above all,” he concluded.

https://www.facebook.com/shahroz.sabzwari/videos/10156987084609179/