Hyderabad: Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has opened up about the restrictions on Pakistani artists working in India, saying it has been nearly 10 years since he was able to perform or release music in the country.
The singer, known for popular tracks including Aadat, said Indian fans have continued to listen to his music despite the restrictions. He also reflected on how the ban pushed him to explore himself as an independent artist.
“It Has Been Almost 10 Years”
In an interview, Atif Aslam said that he has not sung a new song in India for nearly a decade but believes his music continues to reach Indian listeners.
He said some fans use VPNs to access his songs and even share music with others through CDs. Atif clarified that he does not support piracy but added that music eventually finds its way to the people who want to hear it.
According to the singer, the restrictions also encouraged him to develop his identity as an independent musician.
Pakistani Artists Faced Restrictions After 2016 Uri Attack
Restrictions on Pakistani artists in India became significantly stricter following the 2016 Uri terror attack.
That year, an Atif Aslam concert in Gurugram was cancelled after the district administration advised organisers to postpone the event amid protests from political groups against performances by Pakistani artists.
In September 2016, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) passed a resolution against employing Pakistani actors, artists and technicians until relations between the two countries improved.
Following the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, restrictions were tightened further, with the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announcing a ban on Pakistani artists working in the Indian film industry.
Restrictions Intensified After 2025 Pahalgam Attack
Following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, cross-border entertainment ties faced further restrictions.
Several collaborations were affected, including Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor. The film faced opposition from industry bodies and was stopped shortly before its scheduled release.
Digital access was also affected, with the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani celebrities reportedly becoming inaccessible to Indian users.
“Music Will Find Its Way”
Atif Aslam said the way his music continues to reach listeners reminds him of the early days of his career, when his songs became popular through radio, CDs and cassettes before he became widely known.
He also expressed gratitude to Indian fans who have continued supporting his music despite the restrictions.
The singer said that if listeners genuinely love his music, they will know where to find it, adding that his music will ultimately reach those who want to listen to it.
Atif’s comments underline the enduring popularity of his music among Indian listeners despite the long-standing restrictions on professional collaborations between artists from the two countries.
