Recently a group of top Indian musicians released a statement saying that Pakistani singers should be banned from coming and performing and releasing their cassettes in India, as this was the method the Pakistani government had chosen to follow where Indian artistes were concerned.

We asked all our singers what they thought should be the best possible situation. Should the Indians be allowed to come and sing here or should they be asked to sit back while we enjoy fanatical popularity in their backyard?

Junoon’s vocalist Ali Azmat said, "I think Indian artistes should definitely be allowed to perform in Pakistan. Cross-cultural activities should be encouraged as much as possible, which in my opinion helps to reduce the ignorance each side has for the other. Music is also the best way for reducing the fear of the unknown, something I feel Pakistanis and Indians have regarding each other. Once we understand each other better, there’ll be a better environment for a peaceful solution to the region’s problems".

Salman Ahmed, Junoon’s guitarist said, "I think personally we (the people of the Subcontinent) should have as much bilateral exchange as possible. It will not only help us understand each other better but also help in reducing tensions. Therefore, cross-border performances should be a definite yes."

Junoon’s bassist and the country’s only favourite American, Brian O’Connell said, "Art and music know no political boundaries and thus far we’ve been successful with crossing boundaries and exchanging friendship. But the deal should always be both ways, Pakistanis going to India and Indians coming here. Since art is a reflection of humanity and it shouldn’t be controlled by politicians".

The Strings duo of Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood, who found instant fame in the Indian dance clubs with their early ’90s hit "Sar ki yeh bahar," agreed that artists of both the nations should be allowed to travel to each other’s country without any hindrance.

Faisal said, "I think Indians should not be discouraged from coming here. What’s more, the exchange is always healthy for both the sides. It’s also good for the home crowd as they get to listen to a variety of music. Overall, cross-border exchanges have always helped the music industry both ways."

Bilal Maqsood said he hoped that political issues wouldn’t interfere with the cultural values of any country. "Art should be allowed to live on. I think art is as important as food and air. Exchanging art and culture has always been beneficial for any country, especially where Pakistan and India are concerned. I also feel that Pakistani people are missing on living legends like Lata Mangeskar, Ravi Shankar and Asha Bohsle," he said.

Metal singer, Baber Sheikh whooped "Most definitely!" "Foreign artistes, whether Indians or anybody, should always be welcomed as they bring with them new exposure of other cultures, plus broader horizons. We need awareness for art-related activities and also for the true art forms which open the minds of a nation."

Entity Paradigm’s Ahmed Ali (more popularly known as Jutt from the sitcom ‘Jutt and Bond’) said that there should be no limits regarding art and it should be promoted no matter what. "If the Indians come here, this will give us a chance for healthy competition. Also, culture gets promoted and both parties will get a fair chance to adopt each other’s style".

Jawad Ahmed said that inviting or greeting any singer should never be a problem as long as the deal is a two-way traffic. "We will always greet the Indians as they greet us there. But that does not mean that we compromise our national integrity. Like I’ve said inter-crossing traffic should be both ways. It has its pros, since primarily it encourages peace between countries. Personally, I believe music can promote good relations between Pakistan and India," said Jawad.

Haroon said that the idea for Indian singers coming here was a good idea. "Sports and music should not cross the political realm. I think it would be a great way to encourage understanding and peace between both the countries," he said.

Faakhir said that Indians were welcome, as long as they did not have a problem with our country. "Singers who do not have anything against our ideology and cultural values and those who are friendly with us will find that they are as welcome as anybody else is. Our hospitality has always been praised by the Indian actors, singers, sportsmen and even ordinary people. What’s more, Indian movies are easily available in every shop and Indian music is readily available everywhere in Pakistan. So why have double standards? Let Indian singers come here and perform and let us show them we are not narrow-minded and we are not afraid of competition. Pakistanis love culture and art, and that’s what we should show to the world," Faakhir said.

Fakhr-e-Alam said: "There’s no harm in cross-boarder performance. In my view, only those artists or musicians oppose the presence of Indian musicians coming and performing here who are insecure and are not confident of their talent. I have no problems with Indians coming here and I think we need this kind of peace diplomacy in order to preserve the concept of love," he said.

Ibrarul Haq said: "If they allow our singers and our performers, then I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t welcome them. And I say the same where promotion is concerned. If they are willing to promote us, then we should also greet then with open arms," Ibrar said.

‘We faced Indian rage after ’98 award’: Junoon

After winning the 1998 Channel V award in India for the best rock group category, Junoon faced immense pressure from Indian officials and never got a fair chance to perform there, said Salman Ahmad of Junoon.

"Since winning the award, Junnon has had a lot of difficulty to go and perform in India. Bombay is completely off-limits for any Pakistani artiste because of the Shiv Sena problem. Religious fanatics try their best to keep a dividing line between Pakistani and Indian artistes. Pakistani music is far more popular than the Indian music there," he said.