Kathmandu event show Anjum draping the tricolour around his neck and continuing his performance uninterrupted. At the end of the set, he held the flag up for the audience, prompting loud cheers from the crowd. The act, however, quickly drew backlash from Pakistani followers who accused him of disrespecting national sentiment.
Responding to the outrage, Anjum posted a statement on X, emphasising that his music transcends political and geographical divides. “There is no place for hatred in my heart. My art has no boundaries,” he wrote, adding that he would continue to raise the flag “even if it sparks controversy.” He included both Indian and Pakistani flag emojis in the post, describing Urdu rap as a cultural bridge beyond national lines.
Anjum enjoys a sizeable fan base in India, though his social media visibility in the country has been restricted since the Pahalgam terror attack, following which Indian platforms imposed broader limitations on Pakistani artists. The restrictions have reportedly affected view counts on his music channels.
The incident has sparked renewed debate on artistic freedom, nationalism, and the cultural relationships between India and Pakistan. While the rapper has stood firm on his position, neither the Pakistani entertainment fraternity nor official authorities have issued a formal response so far.
With the controversy gaining traction online, Anjum’s statement has only amplified discussions around whether artists can or should rise above political tensions in the region
