Educational authorities in Punjab province of Pakistan officially banned Indian songs, especially Bollywood hits, that have long been popular among youngsters, reports Yudhvir Rana. Syed Ansar Azhar, director of public instructions (colleges), Punjab (Pakistan), issued a circular, marked as “most urgent and important”, to all directors of education (colleges) on March 12 to enforce a ban on “unethical and vulgar” activities in both public and private colleges.
The circular underscores concerns raised by the higher education department over increasing number of students and teachers dancing to Indian songs during events like sports galas and other functions. According to the directive, such activities – whether on stage or in classrooms – must no longer take place in educational institutions. The ban has sparked a heated debate, particularly among the younger generation, who have long used Bollywood music as a form of self-expression and in celebrations.