Indian band Euphoria denied visa for show in Pakistan

[Zarvan]

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Palash Sen: If Pakistan is so strict, why aren’t we?
Palash Sen reacts to Euphoria being denied an N.O.C in Lahore on day of gig

Once successful, twice eager was how Palash Sen was feeling a few days ago. The doctor, whose band Euphoria had become the first band from India to perform in Pakistan in 2008, was super excited about being invited for the second time to the neighbouring country - for a concert at the Lahore University of Management Studies (LUMS) on March 23.

This, Palash had told us a few days ago, would make them the first Indian band post 26/11 to perform at a public function in Pakistan, but little did he know that his plans would bite the dust soon after. On the day that they were supposed to perform at the academic institution in Pakistan, the college was denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, forcing them to cancel the concert, and making the band return home from Amritsar, where they were waiting for the NOC.

Speaking to DT a day after the cancellation of the concert, Palash said, “I’m really upset... The Pak Ministry of Interior never gave us an NOC, and kept everyone waiting till the nth hour. They kept us hanging, and then refused to issue one on the afternoon of March 23.” March 23 was when the band was to perform in Lahore, and Palash says that the hype that had been generated for the concert was huge, and that “everyone in Pakistan knew Euphoria was coming”.

But at the last minute, the college was not issued a No Objection Certificate, forcing the institute to cancel the performance. And that is something that has bothered Palash immensely. Says the singer, “How come their artistes are here all the time? If their ministry is so strict, why is ours so lenient? They simply told the college that there were security concerns, so the NOC wasn’t issued. We were going without any fear whatsoever! The organizers had even made arrangements for my mom. I was very keen that she visit the city where her father did his LLB. The college authorities were parked at the Ministry of Interior for three days, and had even made all the arrangements for us. The sound and lights were all booked. This really is disturbing.”
Palash Sen: If Pakistan is so strict, why aren’t we?

For First time I love the interior Ministry first time the did the right Job

[notsuperstitious]

I understand his frustration, but tit for tat does not help. As it is things are difficult, why add to it instead be the big guy and invite Pakistani bands over.

For First time I love the interior Ministry first time the did the right Job

The now famous large heart.

[majesticpankaj]

I'm happy for him...he is now safe.. there would be danger to his life as rightly pointed by pakistani authorities.

I hope bangladeshi cricket team take a clue out of it. Pakistan will remain unsafe.

[Amolthebest]

Because then there will be no difference between them and us.

[Gautam]

Palash Sen: If Pakistan is so strict, why aren’t we?

because we are not pakistan. get it straight in your head.

there is a reason they are strict. if they don't remain strict- their already dying music and film industry will rest in peace.
we are not strict because our industry is the biggest in the world. pakistanis come here to earn - that is not possible for them in their dead industry.
also- there is no security issue in India. the security was one of the reasons pakistan denied the NOC.

[hinduguy]

Our artists should not complain. Why would Indian govt stop artists coming from pakistan? We dont have any security issue.
Our crowd loves them.
Lets do what we do well, we should celebrate artists from anywhere.

[v9s]

there is a reason they are strict. if they don't remain strict- their already dying music and film industry will rest in peace.
we are not strict because our industry is the biggest in the world. pakistanis come here to earn - that is not possible for them in their dead industry.

I understand dying film industry, but dying music industry? Nigga please

[Awesome]

What was the reason for rejection?

[LoveIcon]

What was the reason for rejection?

IMO - They didn't wanted Indians on Pakistan Day

[Awesome]

IMO - They didn't wanted Indians on Pakistan Day

Euphoria and many others have previously performed on Aug 14th! Let alone Pakistan day.

[mjnaushad]

They should have let him perform....

And for some usual trolls those who are talking about security....

do you remember shakeel.???

[Infinite]

Because India lacks talent and they need Pakistani Singers to fulfill the requirements.

[IND151]

Because India lacks talent and they need Pakistani Singers to fulfill the requirements.

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[genmirajborgza786]

they should have let him performed i saw euphoria & strings concert here in
Canada artist from both sides should work for peace between these two great nations

[Awesome]

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Without giving the official rejection reason, we are only speculating here.

The way Sen is reacting is as if MoI said "Dafa ho, tumhari shakal nahi pasand".

Concerts get cancelled due to organizational screw ups mostly. After Atif Aslam's concert stampede fiasco, it is natural that there will be more strictness.