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BJP against ban on Indian movies in Pakistan
NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party is concerned over news reports from across the border that a Pakistani Court has imposed restrictions on screening of Indian Hindi films all across Pakistan.
This comes close after Pakistan electronic media regulator recently slapped fines worth Rs 10 million on 10 entertainment Pakistan channels for airing excessive Indian films and TV serials, but BJP Convener for Overseas Affairs said Indian films have always strengthened bilateral relations between the two nations.
In a letter to the Pakistan High Commissioner, he said popular Bollywood movies promote cross-cultural friendship. Many Pakistanis watch Bollywood films since they understand Hindi due to its linguistic similarity to Urdu. Each year Indian Bollywood produces 900 films. ‘Your Lahore based Lollywood has always considered Mumbai Bollywood as its competitor. But a court petition by a known anti India Pakistan film producer Mubshir Lucman demanding that Indian movies completely shot in India and sponsored by an Indian cannot be screened in your country is “Retrogressive” and BJP is opposed to such demands and ban.’
In modern times Pakistani actors, gazal, qawwali and Sufi singers perform freely in India. Pakistan TV shows have been equally popular in India. But India never imposed a ban on Pak artistes. Though Pakistan had banned Hindi films release from year 1965 to 2008, but prominent Indian films like Tere Bin Laden, The Dirty Picture, David, Khiladi 786, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Ek Tha Tiger, Agent Vinod and Chennai Express in recent times did not get the clearance from Pakistan Film Censor Board. BJP considers it to be a regrettable decision, Jolly said.
Bollywood movies in Pakistan has led to new Cineplexes coming up in major Pakistan cities like Islamabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore. “Pakistanis love Indian movies. These have brought Pak viewers back to your cinema halls. We understand that nearly eight million Pakistanis go to movies on a daily basis. Employment and business is generated.”
“But the new tax regime proposed by your government is the real stumbling block. The adjustable withholding tax levied on all foreign films and TV serials have given birth to ‘fake papers & black market’ film sector industry in your country. You ban the pirated film copies and we understand it. But the genuine film industry and the viewers should not suffer. We urge you to take this issue with the government of Pakistan and ensure a level playing field for Indian film industry in Pakistan entertainment sector”, he said.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
