Updated April 30th 2025, 22:00 IST
Instagram accounts of Pakistani actors blocked in India | Image:
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In a major step, the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani celebrities are now banned in India following the Pahalgam terror attack. On April 22, a group of terrorists gunned down innocent, unarmed tourists, claiming the lives of 26 and leaving several injured. In a stringent step, Instagram accounts of several Pakistani artists like Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Sajal Aly and Ali Zafar have now been banned in India. This action follows the government directive of issuing a blanket ban on Pakistani artists and crew members in the film industry.
On April 30, accounts of several celebrities from Pakistan were disabled for Indian Instagram users. On searching for the celebrities on the social media platform, a message flashes, “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” However, at the time of publishing this copy, the accounts of Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan, Fahad Mustafa and Atif Aslam were still accessible.
Previously, multiple YouTube channels, including former cricketer Shahid Afridi’s, were banned in India for spreading ‘provocative content’, spewing false narratives and targeting the Indian Armed Forces online. Pakistani news channels like Geo News, ARY News and Samaa TV are also banned.
Pakistani actors have featured in several Bollywood movies before the Pahalgam terror attack. Most recently, Vaani Kapoor featured in a film opposite Fawad Khan, which was scheduled to release in India on May 9. Kabhi Hum Kabhi Tum star Hania Aamir was also reported to make her Indian cinema debut opposite Diljit Dosanjh in Sardaarji 3. The actress has also flaunted his closeness with rapper Badshah on several occasions.
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Mahira Khan has featured in the movie Raees. Ali Zafar and Mawra Hocane have also featured in Bollywood projects.
Published April 30th 2025, 21:33 IST