The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has advised Indian singers not to collaborate with Pakistani artistes.

The film body issued this warning after collaboration between Indian artistes and Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was brought to its notice.

The film body has issued a long statement which read: “We are pained to inform all members that despite being fully aware that FWICE has issued a total non-cooperation circular advising all members not to work in any manner whatsoever with all Pakistani artistes, singers and technicians, some members are blatantly violating the non-cooperation circular.”

FWICE claimed that the collaboration with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was not the only instance. “We have been informed that more such Entertainment products and songs are being planned and made. We have to strictly inform all the members of our affiliates to kindly note that the non-cooperation circular is valid and subsisting and anyone found cooperating or working in any manner with any Pakistani artistes, singers and technicians, in any mode or media of entertainment will be subject to strict disciplinary action,” the letter read.

“One should also realise that while the entire world is fighting against the coronavirus, Pakistan is still busy killing our soldiers on the borders. Kindly note no violation of this circular will be allowed and we are sure all members will follow our advice in their own interest,” it added.

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Pakistani artistes were banned from working in Bollywood after the 2016 Uri attack. There were widespread protests against Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) and Rahul Dholakia’s Raees (2017) for featuring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, respectively. The films were shot with Pakistani actors before the ban was announced.