Atif Aslam Says India Ban Helped His Artistic Growth

Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has spoken about the nearly decade-long ban on Pakistani artists working in India, stating that the restrictions ultimately helped him develop his own musical identity while his music continued to reach Indian listeners through alternative means. In a recent interview, Aslam reflected on the impact of the ban, which began around 2016, and expressed gratitude for the unexpected artistic growth it prompted.

Aslam discussed the ban in an interview with Kris Fade for the YouTube channel One on One with Kris Fade, published on August 11, 2026. He noted that it has been almost ten years since he was barred from working in India, a decision he attributed to the Indian government. "That was the decision of the Indian government they decided to ban artistes from Pakistan. Indian artistes are also banned in Pakistan now," Aslam said. The restrictions intensified following the 2016 Uri terror attack. That year, an Atif Aslam concert in Gurgaon was cancelled after local authorities advised organizers to postpone it amid protests. In September 2016, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association passed a resolution against hiring Pakistani artists until...