Pakistans former federal information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has expressed regret over the 2017 ban on Aamir Khan’s Dangal stating it stifled a film that could have inspired many young girls. The decision made without even viewing the film remains one she wishes she could undo. Why was Dangal banned in Pakistan? Dangal the 2016 sports-drama starring Aamir Khan was hugely successful in India and China and was poised for release in Pakistan after a ban on Indian films was lifted around 2016–17. However Pakistan’s Central Board of Film Censors raised objections to pivotal scenes featuring the Indian national flag and anthem pushing the authorities to reject the film unless those were removed. Minister Aurangzeb later regretted the ban In a recent podcast Aurangzeb revealed she had never watched the movie before approving its ban. After finally viewing Dangal roughly 18 months later she admitted her error “Yes if there is one regret that I have when I was the Federal information minister it was banning the screening of Dangal in Pakistan … When I saw the film after a year and a half I realised my decision to approve the ban was wrong. It was a film which was inspirational for our girls and was close to home.” Aamir Khan refused to edit the film Aamir Khan stood firm on preserving the integrity of his film. On Aap Ki Adalat he revealed Pakistan authorities had demanded cuts to scenes showing the flag and anthem. He declined stating “Anyone who asks us to remove our national flag and national anthem … I don’t want that business.” What Dangal achieved despite the ban Despite missing Pakistani screens Dangal became one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever garnering over Rs 2000 Cr globally made in just Rs 70 crore with significant earnings from China and beyond. Its themes of female empowerment resonated across borders making the ban even more regrettable in hindsight. Why the regret matters now Between 2008 and 2019 Pakistani audiences embraced Indian cinema from Dangal to Sultan and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. But since the 2019 reinstatement of the ban cinemas have struggled without Bollywood hits. Aurangzeb’s admission highlights the cultural and artistic loss created by reacting first and thinking later.