Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's international concerts to go uninterrupted

Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had issued notice to Indian promoters to cancel show with singer

KARACHI: Recently, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had issued a notice to Indian promoters Karl Karlra and Nirmal Dhaliwal to cancel their show with the renowned Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

After discovering the US and Canada-based event's poster featuring the singer, FWICE rigidly stated that they have already directed all Indian artists, singer, anchors, performers and specifically, promoters to refrain from working with Pakistani nationals given the current state of affairs between the two countries over Kashmir.

PHOTO: COKE STUDIO

The notice further added a 'nationalistic' claim to provide the personalities with a background check. It stated, "It is therefore our humble request to both of you to immediately cancel the above shows to maintain the dignity and honour of your country. You are Indian, for which you should be proud."

However, in a statement by the organsiers, the show has been promised to go uninterrupted.

Global promoter Salman Ahmed said in a statement, "I'm not only surprised but rather disappointed at the acumen of learned people that they feel shows and efforts of hundreds of people will just be put to waste by feeble threats of people/organisations. Our shows and tours are not made out of Lego. There is a lot of time, efforts, money and most importantly sentiments of the artist and the audiences which are at stake."

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He further added, "As stated no one can and will stop our shows unless the Almighty wants to. Our tours globally be it Australia, USA, Canada, UK, UAE, Oman are all going ahead. Be it Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan or other artists they are not bothered by this neither are the promoters. Spreading hatred is a Universal Crime and no one has ever done this to artists irrespective of race or religion."

Earlier, Patiala Peg singer Diljit  had also postponed his US tour on request of FWICE, after the association issued him a similar notice.

Following the promoters' notice, the federation also issued a notice to prevent singers Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, and Kumar Sanu from performing at an event organised by a Pakistani in USA.

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