Pahalgam Terror Attack: FWICE demands blanket ban on Pakistani artistes; says 'Nation comes first'

Not just India, but the world was engulfed in the blanket of fear and despair when the news of the Pahalgam terror attack surfaced. On April 22, 2025, the date which has been noted in dark ink in the history of India, witnessed 26 innocent lives lost at the hands of a terrifying terror attack. The open fire aimed at the tourists, and the havoc released on the local area was a sight worse than a nightmare. In the wake of the devastating incident, Ashoke Dubey, General Secretary of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), has called for a total ban on Pakistani artists working in India.
While speaking to ANI, Ashoke said, “Since this is a matter of national interest, the nation comes first. The continuous attacks, including the recent one in Pahalgam on our tourists, are shameful. We have again issued a press release stating that if any of our members are found working with Pakistani artists or technicians, we will take action against them and stop working with them."
He mentioned that FWICE is taking formal steps and sending letters to all affiliated industry associations. A letter has been sent to the Information and Broadcasting Minister as well, requesting the government to issue a directive stating that if any Indian artist joins forces with Pakistani performers, he or she will have to face charges of treason.
“If anyone is found engaging in such activities again, they will not be allowed to work in the industry," Ashoke said.
He continued, “In the letter to the I&B Minister, we also said that a notification should be issued. Humara koi bhi sadasya, Hindustan ka koi bhi sadasya agar unke saath kaam kar raha hai, toh uske upar desh droh ka mukadma kiya jaye taaki wo aage se ye sab cheez karne se pehle 1000 baar sochne par (If any member from India works with Pakistani artists, a case of treason should be filed against them so that they think a thousand times before doing it)."
Earlier on Thursday, sources in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed that the upcoming film ‘Abir Gulaal,’ headlined by Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, will not be released in India.
Reacting to this, Ashoke Dubey said, “We’ve sent a letter asking him not to go ahead with it. If he does, FWICE will stop cooperating with every unit member involved in the project."
“The film Abir Gulaal was set to release on the 9th. Vivek Agarwal, the producer, was sent a letter from us. We also wrote to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting. We wrote a letter to Vivek stating that you cannot work with Pakistani artists in this manner. If you release this film, we will also cease cooperation with every unit member associated with it, whether it be the cameraman or the director. We asked the I&B ministry to ban this film," he concluded.