After a brief period of visibility, more than 18,000 social media accounts belonging to Pakistani artists and public figures have once again been banned in India. The decision comes in the wake of mounting public outrage and political pressure following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
Previously, all Pakistani celebrities’ accounts had been restricted in India after the April 22 Pahalgam attack. However, some of these restrictions were lifted weeks later, leading to public and industry backlash. The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) even wrote a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticizing the move and demanding a stricter stance against any digital presence of Pakistani personalities.
Following an emergency internal review meeting, the Indian government has now re-enforced the ban. As part of the latest action, Instagram profiles of well-known Pakistani figures like Mawra Hocane, Hania Aamir, and Fawad Khan are once again inaccessible to Indian users. The crackdown extends to artists, influencers, and even cricketers from across the border.
Now, whenever an Indian user attempts to access these accounts, a message appears reading: “This account isn’t available in India. We restrict content in response to legal requests from the government.”
The move is being viewed as a direct consequence of the deteriorating diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan, especially after the Pahalgam incident. The cultural freeze between the two nations has deepened, with the entertainment industry feeling the brunt of the growing tensions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.