The Gulf’s Troubling Tilt: Pakistan, Censorship, and India’s Diminished Influence
the relationship between the Gulf nations and Pakistan is a long-standing one, built on decades of strategic alliances and shared interests. However, recent actions suggest a troubling pattern: a willingness to prioritize these ties over substantial economic and demographic realities involving India. This isn’t simply about film bans; it’s a signal of shifting power dynamics and a concerning susceptibility to propaganda.
Pakistan’s Entrenched Influence in the Gulf
For years, Pakistan has cultivated deep connections within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). These relationships are multifaceted and extend beyond mere diplomacy. Consider these key factors:
* Saudi Arabia remains Pakistan’s closest and most enduring ally.
* The United Arab Emirates stands as the second-largest economic investor in Pakistan.
* Pakistan has a proven track record of providing military training to the armed forces of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.
* Pakistan actively leverages its economic, military, religious, and political ties to shape narratives within the Gulf region.
This established network grants Pakistan meaningful influence, allowing it to exert pressure – and, as we’ll see, censorship – in ways that directly impact other nations.
India’s Overlooked Stake in the Region
India’s presence in the Gulf is undeniably massive,yet it appears to be increasingly disregarded. The economic and human ties are substantial, dwarfing Pakistan’s influence in many respects. Let’s look at the numbers:
* India’s annual bilateral trade with Gulf nations exceeds $200 billion.
* Over 30% of India’s crucial oil imports originate from Gulf countries.
* Approximately 9 million Indian expatriates reside in Gulf nations, representing 15% of the region’s 60 million population.
* These Indian workers collectively remit $45-50 billion annually to India, a vital contribution to the Indian economy.
Despite this overwhelming economic and demographic weight, recent events demonstrate a concerning disregard for India’s interests.
The Pattern of Censorship: Silencing Films Exposing Terrorism
The recent ban of a film exposing terrorism across several Gulf nations is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a disturbing trend where Pakistan systematically utilizes its Gulf connections to suppress narratives that portray its alleged involvement in supporting terrorism. You might be surprised to learn that the following films have previously faced bans:
- Uri: The Surgical Strike
- Fighter
- Sky Force
- The Diplomat
- Article 370
- Tiger 3
- The Kashmir Files
This coordinated censorship raises serious questions about the influence Pakistan wields and the willingness of Gulf nations to accommodate its demands. It’s a betrayal of the millions of Indian expatriates who contribute considerably to these economies.
A Global Paradox: Bans on expression
The situation is further intricate when viewed through a broader lens of global restrictions. Ironically, while Gulf nations ban films critical of terrorism, Western nations often restrict religious expression.
* Austria recently enacted legislation banning the hijab for girls under 14 in schools.
* Currently, 24 countries worldwide have implemented full or partial bans on the burqa.
* Italy has introduced legislation prohibiting the burqa, niqab, and hijab in public spaces.
* Even several Muslim-majority nations, including Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tunisia, have imposed restrictions on the burqa.
This highlights a complex and often contradictory landscape of bans, raising questions about the motivations behind these restrictions.
America’s Role: A Leading Imposer of Sanctions
The irony deepens when considering the United States’ own extensive use of sanctions. America is,in fact,a world leader in this practise.
* The U.S. imposed 3,135 new sanctions in 2024 alone.
* The European Union imposed over 10,000 sanctions between 2022-2025.
* Russia currently faces over 24,0
