The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has faced criticism on social media after its official account used a Pakistani song in a promotional video showcasing the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link infrastructure project.
The nine-second reel featured “Safar” by Lahore-based Pakistani band Bayaan, prompting users to question the BJP’s decision to use music from Pakistan amid restrictions on Pakistani entertainment content in India.
The video, shared by the BJP’s official social media account, received more than 1.2 million views on X and showcased the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link project with the Pakistani track playing in the background.
‘Hypocrisy Louder Than Music’
The use of the song triggered a wave of reactions from social media users in India and Pakistan, with many pointing to what they described as a contradiction between the BJP’s political position on Pakistan and its use of Pakistani cultural content.
One user wrote, “Imagine banning Pakistani artists and Pakistani music in the name of nationalism, only to use a Pakistani song when it suits you. The hypocrisy is louder than the music.”
Another user asked, “Why are you using Pakistani song?”
Karnataka Congress leader Lavanya Ballal Jain also questioned the BJP’s choice, writing, “By your own logic now you are an anti-national. Didn’t you find an Indian song? Did you have to choose a Pakistani song?”
Congress digital media leader Vijay Thottathil similarly questioned why an Indian song was not used for the infrastructure video.
BJP Used Pakistani Band Bayaan’s ‘Safar’
“Safar” is a song by Bayaan, an alternative rock band from Lahore. The track was released as part of the band’s 2024 album Safar and has become popular on social media platforms.
The controversy comes amid restrictions imposed in India on Pakistani films, music, web series and other digital content following heightened tensions between the two countries.
In 2025, Indian authorities directed digital platforms and streaming services to remove Pakistan-origin content, citing concerns related to national security, sovereignty and public order. Pakistani artists and entertainment content have subsequently faced restrictions across several platforms.
Restrictions on Pakistani Cultural Content
The restrictions have also affected the visibility of Pakistani actors and artists on digital platforms. Promotional artwork for films featuring Pakistani actors has, in some cases, been altered, with their images removed.
Against this backdrop, the BJP’s use of a Pakistani song in an official promotional video has drawn particular attention.
