New Delhi, October 20 (NIA): The Indian government said here on Thursday that there is no blanket ban on Pakistani artistes and films and that action will be taken on a case by case basis depending on the security situation and the sentiments of the people.
Reacting to the ban on Indian content in on Pakistani radio and TV, imposed by the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) from 3 pm on October 21 onwards, the Indian External Ministry spokesman, Vikas Swarup, said: “ As far as Government of India is concerned there is no blanket ban on Pakistani artistes. In the prevailing atmosphere, given security considerations, and taking into consideration local organizers, we will deal with it on case to case basis. There is no blanket ban on Pakistani artistes.”
A day after Karan Johan vowed not to hire actors from Pakistan in response to a demand by a leading Indian Cinema Group not to screen films with a Pakistani cast, the Pakistan government also banned Indian media content from its airwaves, a decision that the Indian establishment termed as “unfortunate”.
“This shows lack of self-confidence on the part of Pakistan. It is unfortunate,” Swarup said in his comment on the ban.
The Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), had issued a blanket ban on airing Indian TV and radio content. Licenses of those found violating the ban will be suspended.
The Pakistan federal government had earlier suggested banning the airing of Indian content in a tit-for-tat move after Pakistani content was completely banned by India.
When Pervez Musharraf was in power in 2006, Indian TV programs and films were unilaterally allowed to be aired in Pakistan. India had not allowed Pakistani films or TV programs.
