In a move widely seen as retaliatory, India’s leading music label Zee Music has removed the name of internationally acclaimed Pakistani singer Atif Aslam from the credits of songs hosted on its official YouTube channel, while keeping the original audio tracks intact.

According to reports, all mentions of Atif Aslam’s name have been deleted from song titles and descriptions, even though his vocals remain untouched. Industry experts believe this step is linked to the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, following recent military confrontations despite the ceasefire agreement.

The development has drawn criticism from artistic circles on both sides of the border. According to a music industry source, this isn’t the first time creative expression has fallen victim to political hostilities, noting that Indian platforms have previously imposed bans on Pakistani artists during periods of heightened diplomatic strain.

The latest move follows a broader trend of exclusion, including the suspension of Pakistani accounts on Indian social media platforms and the removal of Pakistani actors’ names and images from film albums. These actions are being seen as symbolic measures reflecting India’s frustration in the wake of recent military setbacks.

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Observers have warned that such steps not only undermine the spirit of cultural exchange but also violate the professional and moral standards of the global entertainment industry. Despite political differences, Atif Aslam remains one of the most beloved and streamed artists across South Asia, with millions of fans on both sides of the border.