Islamabad, Jan 19 (NationPress) Pakistani cinema is being utilized as a means to promote an anti-India narrative while also manipulating religious symbols for political ends. Critics caution that these tactics not only undermine the sanctity of sacred sites but also politicize cultural heritage, transforming art and religion into instruments of state power, a report disclosed on Monday.

“There is a noticeable trend in Pakistan where cinema is increasingly being employed as a weapon to escalate anti-India sentiments, particularly those associated with Khalistan. Individuals facing challenges in creating films or music promoting Khalistan due to restrictions in India are capitalizing on this opportunity. They travel to Pakistan, operate freely, and consequently make their content viral on social media,” detailed a report from ‘Khalsa Vox’.

“Due to this regressive mindset among Pakistanis, a paradox exists where India and Indian Punjab garner global attention for its rapid economic advancement, institutional reforms, and social progress, while Pakistani Punjab remains ensnared in corruption, scams, and chronic misgovernance,” it further stated.

The report notes that instead of addressing its internal failures, Pakistan is increasingly leaning on an anti-India narrative, mobilizing state-supported media outlets, social media influencers, YouTubers, and filmmakers to divert focus and shape public opinion through cultural output.

“The weaponization of cinema is not a recent development. For decades, Pakistani films and television series have depicted Sikh characters—especially Sikh women—from a narrow and often controversial viewpoint. Many productions resort to tropes such as Islamization or ‘conversion romance,’ which numerous Sikh commentators find offensive and ideologically skewed,” it emphasized.

The report pointed out that the decision to film at sacred Sikh locations—particularly Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji—has faced significant backlash.

“Sikh religious leaders have condemned this as beadbi (desecration) and underscored that gurdwaras should be preserved for spiritual practices, selfless service, and devotion to Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The exploitation of these sites for commercial filmmaking or political agendas is broadly perceived as a breach of fundamental religious tenets,” it remarked.

“For many Sikhs, this issue transcends geopolitics. It raises profound questions about complicity—how a select few, driven by financial gain, visibility, or institutional support, appear willing to jeopardize religious sanctity and community dignity,” it concluded.