Mahira Khan slams India’s ban on Pakistani artists as “political game”

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Film star Mahira Khan has spoken out against India’s recent ban on Pakistani celebrities and social media accounts, calling the move a “political game” and stressing the importance of art in promoting cross-border understanding.

India imposed the ban in early May, days before a major military standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Over four days, the two countries exchanged artillery fire, missile strikes and drone strikes, before the US brokered a ceasefire on May 10.

The restrictions were part of New Delhi’s response to an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people. India has accused Pakistan of involvement – ​​which Islamabad strongly denies and has called for an international investigation.

In a recent interview, Khan dismissed the ban, saying, “I had no reaction. I still love my fans in India, fans are fans, people are people. What does this have to do with politics?”

Criticizing the politics of the arts, she added, “It’s a political game — ‘We’ll ban it, we’ll shut it down’ — I don’t believe in it.”

Khan questioned why artists are the first to suffer during political or military crises. “It’s strange. A war breaks out or a political issue arises, and the first attack is on artists. Why? Art is what connects people. And the first thing they ban is that — to break that connection, that love.”

In response to India’s action, Pakistan’s Telecommunication Authority blocked 16 Indian YouTube channels and 32 websites on May 7, citing “anti-Pakistan propaganda” and spreading misinformation.

Mahira Khan is one of Pakistan’s most famous and highest-paid actresses, with numerous accolades including seven Lux Style Awards and seven Hum Awards. She gained international recognition for her performance in the 2017 film Raees opposite Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

In addition to her acting career, Khan is an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and social justice, including campaigning against child abuse and sexual harassment. In 2019, she was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Although a ceasefire is currently in place between India and Pakistan, tensions remain. India has suspended a long-standing water-sharing agreement that gives Pakistan access to key rivers to irrigate more than 80 percent of its agricultural land.