In a sweeping move reflecting escalating geopolitical strains, Pakistan has intensified its cultural censorship by banning Indian content across various platforms. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) announced a comprehensive prohibition on all Indian television and radio broadcasts, threatening to revoke licenses of any stations that defy the directive.
This decision follows a series of tit-for-tat measures between the two nations, with cultural exchanges becoming collateral damage in the broader conflict over the disputed Kashmir region. Indian films and music, once popular in Pakistani households, are now being systematically removed from the airwaves.
Further tightening the reins, the Punjab Higher Education Commission in Pakistan has issued a directive banning the playing of Indian songs and associated dance performances in both public and private colleges. The commission emphasized the need to uphold educational decorum and prevent activities deemed "obscene" or contrary to cultural values.
Simultaneously, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, authorities have ordered the temporary closure of all religious seminaries, known as madrasas, for ten days. While officially attributed to a heatwave, officials privately acknowledge concerns over potential Indian military strikes following a recent deadly attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. The region hosts 445 registered Madrasa's with over 26,000 students, and the closures are seen as a precautionary measure to protect civilians.
These developments underscore the deepening rift between India and Pakistan, where cultural and educational institutions are increasingly entangled in the geopolitical tussle. As both nations navigate this complex landscape, the impact on cross-border cultural exchange and civilian life remains profound.