Pakistani Celebrities’ Instagram Accounts Restricted in India

Several well-known Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, and Sanam Saeed, have had their Instagram accounts restricted in India. This action is the latest indication of strained relations between the two nations.

When Indian users try to view these profiles, a message appears stating: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”

Other Pakistani actors whose accounts are now inaccessible in India include Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, and Sajal Aly. However, the profiles of Fawad Khan and Wahaj Ali are currently still accessible.

The limitations occur after India’s recent digital clampdown following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where 26 people were killed.

India accused Pakistan of aiding the involved militants, which Islamabad has firmly denied.

This isn’t the only digital restriction implemented. Indian officials have also prohibited 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, alleging the distribution of “provocative” or “communally sensitive” content.

Reportedly, the official YouTube channel of former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, which boasts over 3.5 million subscribers, has also been taken down.

These actions are part of a larger diplomatic response by India, which includes suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, reducing diplomatic staff at its High Commission in Islamabad, and revoking visas for Pakistani citizens.

Without providing proof, New Delhi linked Islamabad to the attack and implemented various punitive steps to diminish ties.

In response, Islamabad ordered the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisers, canceled visas for Indian citizens (excluding Sikh pilgrims), and closed the primary border crossing from its side.

Pakistan also offered to participate in a transparent and reliable investigation.