The Government of Pakistan has placed popular singer Malkoo on the Exit Control List (ECL), effectively restricting his travel ahead of a scheduled tour in the United Kingdom.
Malkoo, renowned for his recent song “Qaidi 804,” references the prison number (804) assigned to Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, who has been restricted from leaving the country.
The station from the govt of Pakistan comes as Malkoo prepares to embark on his music tour across the UK. The song “Qaidi 804” has garnered significant attention and is perceived to have political undertones linked to Imran Khan’s legal challenges.
Including Malkoo on the ECL highlights the government’s scrutiny of artistic expressions that may have political implications. This development raises questions about the intersection of politics and freedom of expression in the arts within Pakistan.