The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has now reverberated into Pakistan’s entertainment sector. The nation’s premier singing competition, Pakistan Idol, has declared a suspension of its broadcasts, citing escalating regional tensions.

In an official statement shared on Instagram, the show’s organizers explained that while production was set to resume after a Ramadan hiatus—with the finale only weeks away—the decision was made to pause. “As the situation around us evolved,” the statement read, “it became clear that the mood of the nation had shifted.”

The organisers said it “did not feel right” to continue a celebration at their scale during a time when the country is faced with “ regional tensions rising and calls for national austerity”.

Pakistan Idol, they said, stood for “joy, pride, and the collective spirit of this country” and they felt the finale, a moment of national celebration, “deserves to happen at a time when Pakistan can truly embrace it”.

Addressing the show’s contestants, organisers said their journey on the show was “not over” and their moment to shine was “not lost. It is simply waiting.”

They also thanked audiences, whose “love, support, and belief in this platform mean everything”. They pledged to return, “When Pakistan is ready to celebrate again.”

In its second season, Pakistan Idol consistently remained the talk of the town, starting with controversy over its selection of judges and continuing into its last few episodes before Ramazan where stars such as Farhan Saeed, Asim Azhar and Shuja Haider appeared as guests and treated the audience to stage performances. Alamgir, the 70s pop icon, even appeared on an episode and sang a medley of his songs.

The show is also one of several reality shows and TV competitions that have sprung up recently. Masterchef saw a revival in Pakistan last year and Shark Tank held its inaugural run. Upcoming entrants include Pakistan’s Got Talent — a local franchise of the British series — and Rap Icon Pakistan.

Read more: Tanveer Afridi: ‘Atif’s fee could have funded another Pakistan Idol’

Pakistani singer Hasan Raheem unveiled his new single ‘Bewajah’ on March 28, featuring artist Umair, accompanied by a music video shot in the scenic landscapes of Gilgit, Pakistan.

The video prominently showcases traditional attire, placing Raheem and the cast against Pakistan’s breathtaking vistas, with polo players and local Gilgiti folk dances woven into the visual narrative. In a recent Forbes interview, Raheem spoke about his deep ties to Gilgit-Baltistan, explaining that his signature dance style is directly influenced by the culture of his upbringing.

The singer also shared behind-the-scenes pictures of his trip to the northern region.

“Thank-you to my team for backing me up and taking an initiative in this direction,” he captioned a post on Instagram. In February, Raheem also participated in the DKP fundraiser, the funds from which he said “will be going to the deserving people of Gilgit Baltistan.”

The singer also shared clips from the music video to his Instagram, thanking his fans for their response. “No words for the love my fam has shown me on BEWAJAH,” he captioned a post, adding “I don’t like my own words because they won’t be able to do justice to your love.”

Further, Raheem wrote about freestyle polo, known as the Game of Kings, which is being played in the video. “No referees, no rules, just RAW polo. It’s very different from a normal polo game. It has a rich history so dive yourself and find out more about the game. It’s showcased globally at Shandur polo festival every year. (If you haven’t watched it yet you’re probably missing out)”, he wrote.

Fans appreciated the singer’s love for culture, applauding his dedication to traditional melodies.

One user also highlighted the cinematography of the music video, terming it unreal.

Others highlighted Raheem’s dedication to sportsmanship and honouring the Polo sport.

As Raheem’s music video continues to top charts, it is certain that he will change the context of culture and tradition in Pakistani pop culture.

Read more: Hasan Raheem Talks About His Viral Wedding Events

In a recent appearance on the Track Star Podcast, Zayn Malik shared an unexpected insight into his forthcoming album ‘Konnakol’.

The 33-year-old singer took part in a light-hearted guessing game with host Jack Coyne, where he was asked to identify songs and their artists.

During the segment, a classic track by the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was played. Zayn correctly identified the song and used the moment to speak about the late singer’s influence on his work.

The singer revealed that he has drawn inspiration from Nusrat and has even named a track on his new album in his honour. The gesture highlights the lasting impact of the qawwal icon’s music across generations.

‘Konnakol’, set for release on April 17, marks a distinctive creative direction for Zayn. Speaking about the album, he explained the concept behind its title: “Konnakol is the sound, like making percussion sounds with your voice,” he said, demonstrating the technique himself.

He added that much of the album’s soundscape is built using his own voice, which he then layers with vocals. “So I was using my voice to make the music and then singing over the top of it,” he noted.

The album’s first music video, Sideways, released on March 27, has already begun circulating widely online. With anticipation steadily building, listeners are eager to see how Zayn blends experimental vocal techniques with personal influences in this latest project.

Read more: Zayn Malik says daughter Khai wants to be a K-pop star