Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, India has blocked access to Instagram accounts of several Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar, for Indian users. This move is part of a wider crackdown that also includes the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels and social media pages of entertainment networks like HUM TV and Geo Entertainment. The Indian government cited concerns over national security and the spread of provocative or misleading content.
Several prominent Pakistani celebrities have had their Instagram accounts blocked for Indian users following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Popular actors including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Sajal Aly, and singer Ali Zafar are among those whose accounts now show the message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” This restriction comes days after a deadly terror attack in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the death of 26 individuals.
As per the Times of India, though no formal statement has been issued regarding the exact reason behind the Instagram bans, the action appears to be part of a broader digital and diplomatic response following the April 22 attack. Among those killed were mostly Indian nationals and one tourist from Nepal. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers asked victims about their religion before executing them at close range.
