FWICE Enforces Ban on Pakistani Artists Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions:

After the atrocious terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the death of 26 civilians, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has once again banned any participation of Pakistani artists in Indian cinema.

National FWICE General Secretary Ashoke Dua claimed that the public outrage is gaining traction and that the organization does not intend on working with any Pakistani personnel.

Official Policies Sent To Members of the Film Industry

In a statement made to ANI, Dubey quoted: “In regard to the matter of national importance, the country comes first. The rest of the world including the last Pahalgam incident is no more than bullying us and we as a country must unite. It is a policy now that every member, without exception, needs to follow and failure will result in immediate deportation and blacklisting.”

Every FWICE member around the country has received letters from the federation reminding them to abide by these rules. He told us that along with other documents, there is a request directly urged to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting I&B to put this policy but one issued by the state.

Severe Penalties Proposed for Violations

Dubey highlighted that in the letter sent to the I&B Minister, FWICE suggested that any Indian national associating with Pakistani actors should be prosecuted for “desh droh” (treason) which, as per the request, would invite strict punitive measures to prevent any future collaborations of this kind.''

He addressed the media with the following statement, ``If anyone is found engaging with Pakistani artists again, they will not be allowed to work in the industry.”

Impact on Upcoming Film 'Abir Gulaal' Starring Fawad Khan

The reinforced interdiction has spared no one—one of the immediate victims is the film Abir Gulaal with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan slated for release on May 9, 2025. Information and Broadcasting Ministry sources have suggested the film will not be given permission to be screened in India.

Previously FWICE has sent a letter to Vivek Agarwal, the producer of the film, warning him not to make moves toward the publication of the film. Dubey adds, “You release this film, and will abandon all collaboration contracts with cameramen, directors, and other unit members that are affiliated.”

Khan Fawad, who last featured in the Bollywood’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) has now been put under a “not allowed to work in India” restriction since the Uri attack of the same year. Gulaal was supposed to be his debut after a hiatus of close to nine years.