The already strained relationship between India and Pakistan has taken another sharp turn following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that claimed 26 innocent lives, mainly tourists. As both countries continue to trade diplomatic and cultural blows, the fallout is now affecting everything from music to online platforms and international treaties.

In a strong and symbolic move, Pakistan has banned Indian songs from being aired on FM radio stations across the country. The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) announced that this ban is effective immediately. Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, supported the move, calling it a “powerful gesture during difficult times” and said it reflected the mood of the entire nation.

The music ban came shortly after India took a series of measures targeting Pakistani digital and media presence. The Indian government blocked the Instagram accounts of several high-profile Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan and Hania Amir. Additionally, 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major networks like ARY News and Samaa TV, were also banned for allegedly spreading anti-India propaganda.

Beyond media and entertainment, the political and diplomatic stakes are much higher. India announced the suspension of the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty, cut off trade routes, and downgraded diplomatic ties. In response, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines and banned all trade through third-party nations. These moves signal a serious breakdown in any possible dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Despite the political heat, some voices from Pakistan have chosen to focus on empathy and unity. Mahira Khan, a prominent actress known for her Bollywood role in “Raees” with Shah Rukh Khan, shared a heartfelt message of peace and humanity. She said, “When innocent lives are lost, the pain is not theirs alone—it belongs to all of us… May we choose humanity, always.”

The cultural divide, which has widened after each conflict over the past decade, now seems more severe than ever. Since the 2016 Uri attack, no Pakistani actor has been seen in a Bollywood production, and with the recent bans and restrictions, the possibility of such collaborations seems even more distant.

As both countries react strongly to the Pahalgam terror attack, the consequences are being felt not just in politics, but in the everyday lives of people—artists, travelers, and citizens alike. What remains to be seen is whether these hardline stances will lead to lasting separation, or if future dialogues can rebuild bridges shattered by violence.

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Source – Business Today