Social Media Ban on Pakistani Celebrities Reinstated in India

In a swift reversal, the social media accounts of several Pakistani celebrities were again restricted in India on Thursday, just a day after temporary access had been restored. Fans noticed Instagram and Twitter accounts of stars like Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi, Hania Aamir, and Fawad Khan became inaccessible to Indian users by morning.

The restriction follows a short period on Wednesday when several Pakistani profiles reappeared, leading many to speculate that India had quietly lifted the digital ban. However, as of Thursday, Indian users attempting to view these accounts were met with the message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”

The Indian government has not yet issued an official statement explaining the sudden reinstatement. The initial ban was implemented following rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after India launched Operation Sindoor. This military campaign targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The digital clampdown extended to several Pakistani artists who had publicly criticised the operation. Their posts were seen as provocative by Indian audiences, prompting a wave of backlash and eventually leading to geoblocking of their content.

The back-and-forth reflects ongoing political sensitivities between the two countries. Until an official clarification is issued, it remains uncertain whether these bans are temporary measures or part of a broader, long-term strategy tied to regional diplomacy and national security.