“I owe it all to Pakistan:” Talha Anjum apologises for raising Indian flag during concert

Renowned rapper Talha Anjum has apologised for raising the Indian flag during a concert in Nepal following widespread backlash. He stated that he regrets his actions if any of his fans were hurt by them.

Speaking at a recent programme and discussing the controversy, Talha Anjum expressed pride in being a Pakistani and said he cannot afford to upset his fans through his actions.

"I am because of my fans, and I owe it all to Pakistan. I apologise if my actions hurt any of my fans," he said, adding that wherever he goes, he represents Pakistan.

Earlier, a video of Talha Anjum embracing the Indian flag went viral online, drawing criticism in Pakistan, given the serious tensions between the two neighbours since their conflict in May. However, Talha had initially dismissed the backlash in a statement.

During his performance, Anjum was seen enthusiastically waving the Indian flag on stage. What he intended as a moment of crowd engagement instead sparked strong criticism, with netizens arguing that waving the flag of a country with which Pakistan has fought wars was inappropriate.

Amid the mounting backlash, Talha Anjum issued a statement, making it clear that he would not bow to criticism.

Taking to X, he wrote: “My heart has no place for hate. My art has no borders. If me raising an Indian flag sparks controversy, so be it. I’ll do it again. I will never care about the media, the war-mongering governments, and their propaganda. Urdu rap is and will always be borderless.”