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In response to the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Indian government has intensified actions against Pakistan, extending its crackdown beyond borders and into the digital space.
Several Pakistani celebrities, including popular actors Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan, have seen their Instagram accounts blocked in India. Users attempting to access these profiles are met with a message reading: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
Interestingly, the Instagram profiles of Fawad Khan, and ‘Pasoori’ singers Ali Sethi and Shae Gill, are still accessible in India. This inconsistency has led to speculation—some believe it's due to pending updates, while others suggest it could be GPS-based targeting.
Wider Digital Crackdown
This development follows the Indian government's ban on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, accused of sharing provocative, communal, and false content aimed at India and its security forces. The decision was reportedly based on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
An official told ANI, “The Government of India has banned several Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading misleading narratives, misinformation, and communally sensitive content.”
Pakistani Artists & Bollywood: A Strained Relationship
Pakistani talent has remained largely absent from Indian cinema since the 2016 Uri terror attack. Actor Fawad Khan, once a rising star in Bollywood, was set to make a comeback with the film Abir Gulaal alongside Vaani Kapoor. However, the film’s release in India was halted, reflecting the ongoing tensions.
