Kathmandu: Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum has been served a legal notice by a Pakistani citizen after he raised and wrapped himself in the Indian flag during a concert in Kathmandu last week, sparking nationwide outrage and heated debate online.
The legal notice alleges that Anjum’s act inflicted widespread outrage, mental anguish, and profound injury to the national, patriotic, and religious sentiments of millions of Pakistani citizens both domestically and abroad. It also claims the incident exacerbated existing tensions between Pakistan and India, where diplomatic and military relations remain severely strained due to historical conflicts, border disputes, and ongoing security concerns.
The notice demands an unconditional public apology from the rapper and warns that non-compliance could lead to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) and criminal prosecution.
Despite the notice, Anjum remained unapologetic on social media, stating that my heart has no place for hate. Art has no borders. If I raising an Indian flag sparks controversy, so be it. I’ll do it again. Will never care about the media, the war-mongering governments and their propagandas. Urdu rap is and always will be borderless.
The incident has divided fans across social media. Some criticized Anjum for displaying what they see as support for India, citing ongoing hostility and past attacks. “India is doing everything it can to spread terrorism in Pakistan, wrote one X user. They even killed innocent Pakistanis, while Talha Anjum is busy lifting and wearing an Indian flag.
On the other hand, supporters praised the rapper for his bold statement. Even if he is doing it for views, he knows the repercussions that Pakistani people will hate it, yet he did this. Talha Anjum has done something commendable, wrote an Indian fan. Other users highlighted the inconsistency, pointing out that artists like Sidhu Moose Wala had previously waved the Pakistani flag without facing similar outrage.
The controversy underscores the growing tensions between freedom of artistic expression and nationalistic sentiments in the region, especially amid already strained Pakistan-India relations.