Pakistani musicians fear promoting music due to terrorism

ISLAMABAD - Underground bands in Lahore, Pakistan are facing difficulties in pursuing their passion for music due to terror threats.

The city’s underground bands have been trying to make their mark by posting their music on the Internet and gaining feedback.

But since there is no current security situation in the city, these artists are reluctant to organise gigs and concerts, which is adversely affecting the music industry.

“All we want to do is impress people with our music, but it’s not possible for us in these circumstances,” The Daily Times quoted Ali, a member of ‘Late Comers’, a Lahori underground band as saying.

Music is their hobby and passion, but it has become so tough for them to pursue their passion that many of his friends have given up their dreams and prefer to move abroad, said Ali.

Ayaz, a soloist in the underground music scene said that only a limited audience turns up at their gigs because people fear terrorist attacks.

“Music should be promoted as it is the most widely understood language in the world, which travels from one land to another without being questioned. And if supported properly, Pakistan could compete with West in the quality of music produced in a very short time,” said Ayaz.

Komal, the lead vocalist for band ‘Nature’s Skin’, said that it was tough to organise concerts and get support from the authorities to organise a concert.

Musicians are harmless people that simply follow their passion, but apparently they are also facing threat from terrorists, she said. (ANI)