The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called for a total ban on Pakistani artistes from working in India, following the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives. The attack has further heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

Speaking to ANI, FWICE General Secretary Ashoke Dubey stated, "When it concerns the nation, the nation must come first. The ongoing attacks, including the recent incident in Pahalgam targeting our tourists, are disgraceful." 

"We have once again issued a press release declaring that any member found collaborating with Pakistani artistes or technicians will face strict action and will be barred from further work", he added.

Dubey further shared that letters have been dispatched to all associations linked with FWICE. He continued stating that they have also written to the Information and Broadcasting Minister, urging the issuance of a notification that would treat collaboration with Pakistani artistes as an act of treason.

"We have sent letters to all affiliated associations. Anyone engaging in such activities will not be allowed to work in the industry anymore," he said. 

"In our letter to the I&B Minister, we have requested a notification that if any Indian member is found working with Pakistani artistes, a case of treason should be filed against them so that they think a thousand times before doing so."

Earlier on Thursday (April 24), sources from the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting indicated that the film "Abir Gulaal", starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, would not be permitted for release in India.

Dubey mentioned that FWICE had already written to the film's producer, Vivek Agarwal, warning him not to release "Abir Gulaal". 

He cautioned that if the film went ahead with its release, FWICE would cease cooperation with every crew member associated with the project.

"The film 'Abir Gulaal' was scheduled to release on May 9. We sent a letter to producer Vivek Agarwal, instructing him not to collaborate with Pakistani artistes in this manner. We also communicated with the I&B Ministry, requesting a ban on the film. If the release proceeds, we will withdraw cooperation from all unit members linked to it, including the cameraman and director," Dubey stated.

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Fawad Khan, who was banned from working in India following the 2016 Uri attack, last appeared in Bollywood with "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" (2016).

"Abir Gulaal" was intended to mark his return to Indian cinema after nearly nine years.