"one need not be inimical to those from abroad"
The Bombay High Court has rejected a petition that called for the ban of Pakistani artists working in India.
The petition was filed by Faaiz Anwar Qureshi who put forward an argument that artists from Pakistan, including actors, singers, musicians and technicians should not be allowed to work in India.
Reportedly, Justice Sunil B Shukre and Justice Firdosh P Pooniwalla did not agree with the plea and said it was important that there was peace and harmony between the two countries.
It was stated: “A true patriot is a person who is selfless and devoted to the cause of his country, which he cannot be unless he is a person who is good at heart.
“A person who is good at heart would welcome in his country any activity which promotes peace, harmony and tranquillity within the country and across the border.
“Arts, music, sports, culture, dance and so on are the activities which rise above nationalities, cultures and nations, and truly bring about peace, unity and harmony between nations.
“One must understand that in order to be a patriot, one need not be inimical to those from abroad especially, from the neighbouring country.”
The ban was introduced in 2019 when parts of India demanded a constraint on cultural and artistic transactions with Pakistan.
As a result, celebrities like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan were unable to work in India.
It was pointed out that the Indian government was committed to promoting global peace which resonates with Article 51 of the Indian Constitution.
This was applied most recently when the Pakistan Cricket team travelled to India for the 2023 ICC World Cup.
This was made possible due to the Indian Government and their quest for peace between Pakistan and India.
Over the years, many Pakistani artists have had the opportunity to work in Bollywood.
The outcome has been a highly positive one.
Fawad Khan has worked with Sonam Kapoor, Mahira Khan starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan, and Imran Abbas has worked with Bipasha Basu.
Apart from the actors, Pakistani singers have also travelled across the border to lend their vocals to Bollywood.
Singers like Ghulam Ali, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam have sung in movies such as Bewafaa, Namastey London, Tiger Zinda Hai and Aaja Nachle.
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