India intensified its cultural sanctions against Pakistan on Thursday by barring the release of Abir Gulal, the forthcoming film headlined by Pakistani star Fawad Khan. The decision, confirmed by sources in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, forms part of New Delhi’s broader response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed over 27 Indian lives.
Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi and co-starring Vaani Kapoor, Abir Gulal was slated for a May 9 debut. However, officials say no Pakistani content involving Fawad Khan will be granted distribution permission going forward.
This move follows earlier measures including a downgrade in diplomatic ties, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and closure of the Attari border crossing. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had already declared a blanket ban on hiring Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians in India’s film industry.
Both leads publicly mourned the Pahalgam tragedy on Instagram. Fawad Khan wrote of being “deeply saddened” by the attack, while Vaani Kapoor called the violence “devastating” and offered prayers for the victims’ families.
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