At a time when Pakistan is struggling with economic turmoil, rising inflation, a worsening security situation, and deep political instability, one would expect the country’s leadership to focus on urgent and pressing matters. Yet, in an absurd display of priorities, the government has decided that dancing to Bollywood songs in colleges is a major national concern.
The Punjab Directorate of Public Instruction recently issued a circular banning what it describes as “unethical and vulgar activities” in educational institutions. This includes students and even teachers dancing to Indian songs at events like funfairs and sports galas. The circular warns of strict disciplinary action against violators, including principals and directors of education. While some may argue that educational institutions should maintain a certain level of decorum, it is laughable that, amid Pakistan’s growing list of existential crises, authorities are cracking down on something as harmless as students dancing to Bollywood songs.
This decision is not just misplaced but also symptomatic of the government’s broader tendency to deflect attention from real issues. Pakistan’s youth are already struggling with a lack of job opportunities, poor educational infrastructure, and a stifling environment that limits creative expression. Instead of addressing these genuine concerns, the government seems obsessed with policing culture. The fact that Bollywood music is so popular among Pakistani youth only highlights the deep cultural connection between the two nations—a reality that the establishment finds inconvenient.
This latest directive also reflects an ongoing pattern where the state prioritizes ideological control over practical governance. The same government that cannot control inflation, provide stable electricity, or ensure the safety of its citizens is eager to micromanage what students listen to and dance to at college functions. It is a futile attempt to enforce moral policing when the real immorality lies in the leadership’s failure to uplift the nation.
Ultimately, Pakistan needs to get its priorities straight. Banning students from dancing will not fix the economy, bring down inflation, create jobs, or improve education. The real obscenity is not Bollywood music; it is the state’s continued negligence of the problems that truly matter.
