India's Narendra Modi government has restricted access to the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan, making them inaccessible to users within the country.
The decision comes amid rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border following the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22.
Other blocked Instagram accounts include those of Pakistani singer Ali Zafar, actress and model Sanam Saeed, film and television actor Bilal Abbas Khan, actress Iqra Aziz, actor Imran Abbas, and actress and model Sajal Aly, among others.
After the government's move, fans and followers of these Pakistani celebrities in India have reported seeing the message "Account not available in India" when trying to access their profiles.
The action isn’t limited to Instagram. The Indian government has already blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels. Acting on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs, platforms such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News, BOL News, Raftar, SUNO News, Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, Razi Naama, The Pakistan Reference, and others were banned. The list also includes a channel operated by former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
