ISLAMABAD: Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India, Instagram has blocked several prominent Pakistani celebrities — including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar — from being viewed or followed by users in India.
When Indian users attempt to access these celebrities’ profiles, they are greeted with a message stating: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” The restriction appears to be a result of recent legal actions tied to cross-border political strains.
This comes shortly after India blocked access to 16 Pakistan-based YouTube channels earlier this month. These blocked channels include platforms hosting popular Pakistani dramas that had gained considerable followings in India due to their emotional storytelling, strong performances, and cultural relevance.
Many Indian families have become devoted fans of Pakistani dramas over the years, with landmark shows such as Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Humsafar, Mere Humsafar, and Tere Bin becoming massive hits on YouTube. However, these shows, along with other Pakistani content, are increasingly being restricted in India.
The move to block Pakistani personalities and content from Indian social media feeds follows a deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed more than two dozen people. India has accused Pakistan of involvement, although no concrete evidence has been made public.
Some Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan and Hania Aamir, had shared condolences and expressed sorrow over the incident through their social media accounts. However, their messages did not prevent what many see as a coordinated crackdown on Pakistani content in India.
Although the Indian government has yet to issue an official statement on the Instagram restrictions, the timing has raised eyebrows. Analysts believe the ban may be part of broader efforts to curtail cross-border cultural exchange amid growing political and military friction.
This wave of digital restrictions has not only limited entertainment access for millions but also threatens to further deepen the divide between the people of the two countries, who have often connected through shared media, music, and art.
The latest developments reflect how strained relations are now affecting even soft diplomacy tools like cultural and entertainment exchanges.
