Indian users are unable to access these accounts and receive a notification stating that the content is restricted due to a legal request. “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content,” the notification indicates.
However, some Pakistani celebrities like Fawad Khan, Mawra Hocane, and singer Atif Aslam continue to have Instagram accounts accessible to Indian users. Moreover, the Instagram accounts of Pasoori creators Ali Sethi and Shae Gill remain available in India.
In addition, the accounts of Sanam Teri Kasam actor Mawra Hocane and Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan are also visible to users in India.
This account ban follows the Ministry of Home Affairs of India imposing restrictions on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative, communally sensitive content, false narratives, and misinformation against India.
The banned Pakistani YouTube channels include Dawn News, SAMAA TV, Irshad Bhatti, ARY News, BOL News, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, Geo News, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News HD, and Razi Naama.
Additionally, the Indian government has restricted access to the X account of the Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) in India. This account displays a message stating, “Account Withheld, @GovtofPakistan has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand.”
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India announced punitive measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari land border crossing, and downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
Pakistan has retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian airlines and halting all trade with India, including through third countries.
Furthermore, Pakistan has rejected the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that “any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan … will be considered as an act of war.”
