India Blocks Instagram Accounts of Top Pakistani Celebrities Amid Rising Tensions

The Ministry of Electronics and IT has blocked several high-profile Pakistani Instagram accounts, including Mahira Khan and Hania Aamir, following heightened cross-border digital policy tensions.


Highlights:

  • Over a dozen Pakistani influencers’ Instagram profiles now inaccessible in India.

  • Move follows growing restrictions in digital and media exchange post recent bilateral friction.

  • Affected celebrities include Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, and more.

  • In a significant move reflecting ongoing diplomatic and digital tensions between India and Pakistan, several Instagram accounts of top Pakistani celebrities have been blocked in India. Users attempting to view profiles of stars like Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar are now met with messages saying the content is unavailable in their region. The action, reportedly ordered by India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, is part of a broader enforcement of digital sovereignty measures.

The move comes in the wake of increasing scrutiny of cross-border content and social media influence, with Indian authorities citing concerns over “undesirable content” and content regulation compliance. This is the latest step in a series of restrictions that have targeted entertainment and media collaborations across the border, especially following strained political ties in recent years. No official list has been released, but sources confirm at least 15 notable Pakistani Instagram accounts are impacted.

While Pakistani artists and fans have voiced disappointment on social platforms, Indian officials have remained tight-lipped about the scope and duration of the ban. The development has reignited debates over digital censorship, freedom of expression, and the long-standing cultural disconnect between the two nations. Whether this digital freeze extends to other platforms remains to be seen.

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