Pakistani Songs Removed from Spotify and Other Streaming Apps in India

Key Points:

• Indian government advisory on May 8 demands removal of Pakistani content from all OTT and streaming platforms.
• Pakistani songs like “Maand,” “Jhol,” and “Faasle” removed from Spotify India.
• Advisory cites national security concerns related to “Operation Sindoor” and terrorist attacks.
• Platforms including YouTube Music comply by removing Pakistani content.
• Pakistani actors removed from Hindi film promotional materials on streaming platforms.
• Reflects heightened political tension affecting cross-border digital media availability.

In a significant development impacting cross-border entertainment, all Pakistani songs have been abruptly removed from Spotify in India. Popular tracks such as “Maand,” “Jhol,” and “Faasle,” along with many other Pakistani hits, vanished from the streaming platform late Wednesday night, disappointing millions of music lovers in India.

This removal follows a government-issued advisory dated May 8, which directed all Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, media streaming services, and digital intermediaries operating in India to immediately cease streaming any content originating from Pakistan. The advisory covers a wide range of content including web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other streaming media, irrespective of whether they subscription-based or freely available.

According to NDTV, the advisory issued citing national security concerns, especially in the wake of “Operation Sindoor” and a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The directive references Part II of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, emphasizing the urgent need to discontinue Pakistani content streaming in India.

The impact of the advisory has felt across multiple platforms beyond Spotify. YouTube Music has also reportedly removed Pakistani songs, and Pakistani actors have edited out of promotional materials for Hindi films. For instance, album covers of the film “Sanam Teri Kasam” altered on Spotify and YouTube Music to exclude Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane.

This move marks a new chapter in India’s media regulation, significantly affecting the availability of Pakistani cultural content for Indian audiences. It also reflects the tense political climate influencing entertainment industries and digital content regulations between the two neighboring countries.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and its impact on the entertainment industry in the region.