India has recently intensified its digital restrictions on Pakistani content by blocking the Instagram accounts of several prominent Pakistani celebrities.
This action follows the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. The Indian government attributes the attack to Pakistan-based groups, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations.
The blocked Instagram accounts include those of:
- Mahira Khan
- Hania Aamir
- Ali Zafar
- Sanam Saeed
- Bilal Abbas
- Iqra Aziz
- Imran Abbas
- Sajal Aly
- Atif Aslam
- Momina Mustehsan
India has also restricted access to cricketers Shahid Afridi and Babar Azam’s accounts.
When accessed from India, these profiles display a message stating, “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
This move is part of a broader crackdown that also saw the Indian government banning 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major media outlets like Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News. These channels were accused of disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, as well as spreading misinformation against India and its security agencies.
The digital restrictions have sparked varied reactions. Some Pakistani celebrities have responded with humor and sarcasm on social media platforms, while others have expressed concern over the escalating tensions and the impact on cultural exchange.
