Two concerts featuring Pakistani artists have been postponed at the last minute due to security concerns, with organisers saying they could not obtain the necessary security clearance.

One of the organisers of the ‘mAhx Republic’ concert, speaking on condition of anonymity, said all preparations had been completed and advance payments had been made to the artists.

“Everything was ready, including the advance payments to the artists. But we have to postpone the concert as we did not receive permission at the last moment. Details will be announced at a press conference on Thursday (Sep 24),” the organiser said.

The ‘mAhx Republic’ concert, presented by the REDMI Note 17 Series, was scheduled for Sep 25 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal. The lineup included Pakistani musicians Ali Azmat of Junoon, Jal The Band and Mustafa Zahid featuring Roxen, along with Bangladeshi acts Nagarbaul, Nemesis, Level Five and Shironamhin.

The concert was organised as part of activities surrounding the launch of Xiaomi’s REDMI Note 17 series.

Meanwhile, Pakistani band Kaavish’s ‘Wave Fest: Enjoy the Full Moon’, organised by PrimeWave Communication, has also been postponed for the same reason, according to the organisers.

Kaavish was scheduled to perform in Dhaka on Sep 26 with Bangladeshi bands Shironamhin and Meghdol. The concert had already been postponed once previously over security-related permission issues and was rescheduled after nearly 10 months.

Organisers of the two concerts are expected to announce new dates soon.

Sources also said three other concerts featuring foreign artists have been postponed, although details of those events were not immediately available.