Amid intense tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) has passed a resolution to temporarily ban Pakistani artists from working in India.

“Indian Motion Picture Producers Association(IMPPA) passes resolution banning Pakistani actors and technicians in India till normalcy returns,” ANI reported.

However, the ban does not apply on Pakistani artists already working on projects in India. “If there’s any ongoing project from which [Pakistani artistes] cannot be removed now, on which everything has been done, they can come for that,” it said.

This puts in the clear films such as Fawad Khan-starrer Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Mahira Khan-starrer Raees.

IMPPA, however, said no further talent from Pakistan is hired until normalcy returns.  “IMPPA in its AGM paid homage to the martyrs who were killed in Uri. It therefore felt its responsibility towards the nation and passed a resolution banning Pakistani actors and technicians in India till normalcy returns. For IMPPA nation comes first, ” said Ashoke Pandit, Vice President of IMPPA.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association, popularly know as IMPPA, is the first and the only internationally recognised association of the Indian film production sector. It is the original mother organisation and all other associations which exist now are the offshoots of IMPPA, according to its website.

The resolution comes after Indian nationalist party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) warned all Pakistani artists in India to leave the country. MNS also demanded a ban on Bollywood films featuring Bollywood actors.

Tensions between the two countries escalated following attacks by militants in Uri sector of disputed Kahsmir that led to the deaths of 18 Indian soldiers on September 18.

(The Express Tribune)