Punjab govt bans ‘Nak Da Koka’, other stage songs

LAHORE: The Punjab government has banned stage and theatre performances of 132 songs including ‘Nak Da Koka’ it describes as “immoral” and “double-meaning”, a move that has sparked debate on social media.

The ban was announced in a notification issued on 23 January, which states that the listed songs may not be performed at either private or commercial events.

Authorities have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the ban order.

According to the government, the songs included in the list contain lyrics considered “objectionable and inappropriate” for public performances. The decision follows earlier efforts by the provincial government to regulate stage and theatre shows.

In August last year, the Punjab government issued rules prohibiting what it termed “obscene” and “immoral” performances at such venues.

The latest notification, however, has drawn particular attention due to the inclusion of the Punjabi song “Nak Da Koka” by singer Malkoo. Many social media users have questioned its classification as a “double-meaning” song.

Talking to the BBC Urdu, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari defended the decision, saying the lyrics of the banned songs were too explicit to be quoted in media reports.

“Have you heard the lyrics of these songs?” she said. “What kind of songs are these, and what kind of performances would be done on them? I can’t even read their lyrics.”

She said that the language used in the songs was so “obscene and insulting” that referring to them as music was, in her view, inappropriate.

Reaction online

The ban has prompted a mixed response on social media. While some users supported the government’s move to regulate stage performances, others criticised what they described as a lack of clarity and consistency in the selection of songs.

Malkoo released Nak Da Koka on YouTube in 2023, where it gained popularity. The singer later added additional lyrics to the song, including a reference to former prime minister Imran Khan.

In June 2024, Malkoo was reportedly offloaded from a London-bound flight, an incident his supporters linked to controversy surrounding the song.

Earlier this year, a police case was also registered against qawwal Faraz Amjad Khan after he performed Nak Da Koka at an event in Lahore.

On social media platform X, one user wrote sarcastically: “If Nak Da Koka is not allowed, then which ‘koka’ can be played?”

Another user questioned the reasons for the ban and urged the government to show greater tolerance.

The Punjab government has not indicated whether the list of banned songs will be reviewed.

Muhammad Imran wrote: “Many of the songs on the list are obscene and should be banned. But several of the songs on this list were part of films.”

“The question is, if it was acceptable to play these songs in cinemas with the films, what has changed now that makes these songs problematic?”

A user named Imtiaz Khan wrote: “Banning obscene songs is a good move by the Punjab government, and action should also be taken against the singers of these songs.”