'Vulgar' songs banned during Basant

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab Council of Arts and the district administration have declared the Punjabi song "Nak Da Koka" prohibited during Basant due to its association with a specific personality, formally declaring its playing a criminal offence. Anyone found playing the song during Basant will face registration of a criminal case.

In addition, a ban has been imposed on playing the song at public places, Arts Council events, weddings, mehndi and walima ceremonies, as well as on playing or listening to it at high volume in vehicles during travel.

Cases will be registered against violators, and enforcement has already begun through the registration of FIRs in various cities of the province.

The Punjab Council of Arts had imposed a ban on the song on November 25, 2025, but the ban was not being implemented, and the song was commonly played at wedding ceremonies.

Strict notice has now been taken again, and the Punjab Council of Arts has issued fresh circulars to all district arts councils, directing a complete and strict ban on playing the song.

The district administration and police Special Branch have also been directed to take notice of any violations of the ban.

Meanwhile, sources at the Rawalpindi Arts Council confirmed that not only "Nak Da Koka," but 132 Punjabi songs have been banned from being played at arts councils, theatres, and stage dramas as well.