Instagram blocks access to Pakistani stars’ accounts in India after April 22 Pahalgam terror attack links emerge.
Instagram accounts of several prominent Pakistani celebrities and social media influencers — including actress Mahira Khan, actor-singer Ali Zafar, and influencer Hania Aamir — have been blocked in India. Indian users trying to visit their profiles are now met with a notice: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
The move appears to be linked to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed multiple Indian soldiers. While there has been no official confirmation connecting the social media restrictions directly to the attack, the action mirrors earlier crackdowns by the Indian government on Pakistani digital platforms.
Earlier in April, India blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly promoting “provocative” and “communal” content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said it acted on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs, citing national security and the risk of misinformation campaigns. The affected YouTube accounts included not only individual influencers but also established media outlets such as Dawn News, ARY News, Samaa TV, and Geo News. Former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar’s channel was also among those banned.
Now, with Instagram acting on similar lines, the scope of India’s digital clampdown on Pakistani content appears to be widening. Though Instagram — owned by Meta — has not issued a formal statement beyond the in-app notification, the platform typically acts on legally binding removal or restriction requests from governments, especially when national security is cited.
Adding to the escalating digital censorship, India has also withheld access to the official Twitter account of the Government of Pakistan. The profile, once accessible to Indian users, now displays a standard message: “@GovtofPakistan has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand.”
These latest restrictions have ignited debate across social media and media circles in both countries. While some in India support the crackdown as a necessary response to hostile propaganda, others see it as a politically charged measure aimed at throttling cross-border cultural engagement.
Many of the blocked Pakistani personalities have significant followings in India, and their social media presence has often served as a soft-power bridge in an otherwise strained geopolitical landscape. With these accounts now inaccessible, Indian fans are left unable to view content from popular stars they’ve long followed.
The bans also signal an aggressive shift in India’s policy towards online platforms hosting Pakistani content. Digital media — once a relatively open space for bilateral cultural exchange — is now being drawn into the broader political and security dynamics between the two countries.
Pakistani authorities have not yet officially responded to the Instagram account restrictions. However, several affected influencers have taken to social media platforms still available outside India to share cryptic messages and express disappointment.
Indian government sources, when asked about the specific reasons for the Instagram blocks, pointed journalists to standard legal frameworks under the Information Technology Act, citing national security concerns. However, no public disclosure of the detailed rationale behind each individual restriction has been made.
As regional tensions remain high, especially following the Pahalgam attack, further digital restrictions are expected. The current developments mark a significant tightening of India’s media firewall — one that’s not only targeting political propaganda, but now also curbing entertainment and celebrity engagement from across the border.
