Pakistan’s Punjab Govt Bans Bollywood Song Performances in Colleges

Lahore: The Punjab government in Pakistan has banned the performance of Bollywood songs in all public and private colleges across the province, citing concerns over "unethical and vulgar activities." The Higher Education Department (HED) issued a strict directive warning that principals, deputy directors, and directors of education would be held responsible for violations.

Ban Imposed After Train Hijacking Incident

The move came in response to the recent hijacking of a train in Pakistan by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The Punjab government, in a strong reaction, decided to prohibit students from dancing to Indian Bollywood songs at all educational institutions.

Official Notification Issued

The Directorate of Public Instructions (Colleges), Punjab issued an official notification numbered 54/PA-DPIC/T-25, dated March 12, 2025, to all Directors of Education (Colleges) in Lahore Division. The subject of the notification was "Ban on Unethical and Vulgar Activities in the Public and Private Colleges."

The letter stated, "The competent authority / Secretary Higher Education Department has shown great concern on funfair, sports gala, and other activities taking place in Public and Private Colleges, where students and teachers have been observed dancing on Indian songs on stage or in classes. Educational institutes are sacred places meant to impart quality education to aspiring students. Such activities in educational institutes must not take place."

Strict Action Against Violators

The notification directed all public and private colleges to immediately stop such activities. It further warned that if any institution was found violating the directive, strict disciplinary action would be taken against the concerned principal, deputy director, and director of education (colleges).

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The directive added, "You are, therefore, directed to issue directions to all the public and private colleges under your jurisdiction to refrain from such unethical activities in educational institutes. In case of negligence, the concerned Principal, Deputy Director, and Director of Education (Colleges) shall be held responsible, and strict disciplinary action shall be proposed against them."

The government emphasized that the matter was "MOST URGENT AND IMPORTANT," stressing the immediate enforcement of the ban.

Previous Restrictions on Cultural Activities

This is not the first time the Punjab government has restricted cultural activities in educational institutions. In the past, authorities banned music and dance performances at school and college functions, claiming they were against Pakistani cultural and religious values.