Let’s just hope that irrespective of bilateral relationship between the two free flow of art transcends all boundaries
LAHORE: In a surprising move, the Lahore High Court has lifted the ban on the airing of Indian drama serials in Pakistan. For local fans of Indian content, this comes as a relief as they wouldn’t have to stream shows online anymore. They will be able to watch their favourite shows on their television screens around the same time they air in India.
However, many Pakistanis brought forth the argument that permission was only granted in an attempt to pressure India from following suit as Delhi had also imposed a ban on Pakistani shows in the country. The court’s decision was, according to them, not a measure opted to imply that tensions between the two neighbouring countries are subsiding.
But whether India will follow suit or not, perhaps, only time can tell because ever since the Uri attacks, the relationship between India and Pakistan has been anything but cordial. While Islamabad has shown much less aggressiveness, Delhi on the other hand, has opted for assertive measures, either by not permitting Pakistani superstars Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan to promote their Bollywood movies in India or by delaying to issue Indian visas to Pakistani citizens.
Let’s just hope that irrespective of stringent bilateral relationship between the two, free flow of art transcends all boundaries. Through the Lahore High Court, Pakistan has taken the first step.
Jahangir Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2017.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
