Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on Thursday issued an advisory directing all OTT platforms, digital streaming services, and online intermediaries operating in India to immediately remove all content of Pakistani origin.
The advisory—framed as a matter of national security—applies to web series, films, music, podcasts, and other media, whether on paid or free platforms.
“In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue web series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming content originating in Pakistan, with immediate effect,” the ministry stated.
The move follows India’s recent airstrikes under Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, as well as unprovoked shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control.
In a parallel development, access to social media accounts of several Pakistani public figures—actors, musicians, and influencers—has reportedly been restricted in India. Users have noted that profiles of popular personalities from across the border have become inaccessible on platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
Over the years, Pakistani content has built a niche following in India, particularly through digital platforms. Pakistani TV dramas, once available on services like ZEE5, attracted wide viewership. Films such as Bol, Khuda Kay Liye, Cake, and Laal Kabootar were previously accessible via Prime Video and YouTube.
Pakistani music has remained especially popular in India. Artists like Atif Aslam, Ali Sethi, Abida Parveen, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Coke Studio Pakistan’s catalogue have enjoyed sustained popularity on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
