LAHORE: Pakistani music and entertainment content have been systematically removed from major Indian streaming platforms following a government directive.
The Indian government issued an advisory on May 8, urging digital media providers to delete all Pakistani-origin content from their platforms.
Notable Pakistani songs such as ‘Maand’, ‘Jhol’, and ‘Faasle’ have started disappearing from Spotify India and other services since Wednesday night, according to reports from NDTV. This action comes in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, triggered by the Pahalgam attack, which New Delhi attributes to Pakistani-based militants. Pakistan has denied involvement and called for an impartial investigation.
Despite a recent ceasefire, the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting invoked the Information Technology Rules to justify the content removal, citing reasons related to national security, sovereignty, and public order. The directive mandates OTT platforms, streaming services, and digital intermediaries to eliminate Pakistani-origin movies, shows, music, podcasts, and related content.
The crackdown has also extended to visual content, with Pakistani actors being digitally erased from promotional images and posters. For example, Mawra Hocane’s image was removed from the album cover of “Sanam Teri Kasam” on Spotify and YouTube Music, leaving only Indian actor Harshvardhan Rane visible. Similarly, Mahira Khan’s presence has been wiped from promotional material for the film “Raees,” which now features only Shah Rukh Khan.
Legacy and popular content have not been spared; images of Fawad Khan have been cut from the song “Buddhu Sa Mann” from the film Kapoor & Sons, and the track itself has been made inaccessible to Indian users. Sony Music India has also updated the cover art of the song, removing Pakistani elements.
