Indicating a significant victory for Pakistani diplomacy, six Gulf nations have reportedly banned the Indian film ‘Dhurandhar’. Reports suggest that the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain have followed Pakistan’s lead in preventing the film’s release, despite its content focusing solely on exposing Pakistani terrorism and not containing any objectionable material towards Islam. The film, which has already garnered over Rs 200 crore at the Indian box office, faced extensive efforts from its team to secure distribution rights across the region. The decision to ban ‘Dhurandhar’ underscores the deep influence Pakistan wields within these Gulf states, an influence cultivated through strong economic, military, and political connections. Saudi Arabia’s status as a long-time ally and the UAE’s position as a major investor in Pakistan, coupled with Pakistan’s involvement in military training programs for several Gulf countries, are seen as key factors. This strategic use of censorship to control narratives about its alleged involvement in terrorism is a recurring tactic, with films like ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘Article 370’ having faced similar bans in the past. The move appears to overlook India’s substantial economic footprint in the Gulf, which includes annual bilateral trade exceeding $200 billion, crucial oil imports, and a massive community of nine million Indian expatriates who contribute significantly to the regional economy through remittances. The ban effectively prioritizes Pakistan’s sensitivities over the interests of its largest expatriate community and a vital economic partner. This situation contrasts with trends in some Western countries, which have seen bans on religious attire, highlighting varying global approaches to censorship and cultural expression.
