India quietly lifts social media ban on select Pakistani celebrity accounts to the dismay of some
ISLAMABAD – It appears that India is gradually lifting its digital restrictions on Pakistani celebrities and entertainment content, with users across the country reporting renewed access to previously blocked Instagram profiles and YouTube channels.
On Tuesday, several Indian users noticed they could once again view the Instagram accounts of Pakistani stars such as Yumna Zaidi, Dananeer Mobeen, Ahad Raza Mir, Azaan Sami Khan, Mawra Hocane, Ameer Gilani, and Danish Taimoor — all of which were previously restricted following the rise in tensions between the two neighbours following the Pahalgam attack in May, for which India blamed Pakistan, an accusation Pakistan has repeatedly denied.
Indian X user Sonam Mahajan drew attention to the change, posting: 'BREAKING: Instagram accounts of Pakistani artists Yumna Zaidi, Dananeer Mobeen, Ahad Raza Mir, Azaan Sami, Mawra Hocane, Ameer Gilani and Danish Taimoor, which were restricted in India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, are now accessible again.'
She added that official YouTube channels for Pakistani broadcasters HUM TV, Har Pal Geo, and ARY Digital had also been unblocked.
Indian publication Filmfare later confirmed that these profiles and platforms were indeed accessible in the country without VPNs. However, some Pakistani celebrity accounts, including that of actor Hania Aamir — who is currently starring alongside Diljit Dosanjh in Sardaar Ji 3 and enjoyed considerable support in India prior to Pahalgam — remain unaccessible.
Other major names such as Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Atif Aslam continue to remain inaccessible on Indian platforms, according to the outlet. No official explanation has been issued by Indian authorities about the partial rollback.
The move has sparked criticism in India's online spaces, particularly from those who support the ongoing digital blockout of Pakistani content. 'It's shameful that you have done this,' one user wrote while tagging India's Ministry of Electronics and IT.
Another questioned the apparent inconsistency: 'We banned them for nationalism. Now unbanned them for… nautanki (drama)?'
Many failed to understand the rationale behind the move, calling on the Indian government for an explanation.
One user sarcastically referenced the restrictions on Sardaar Ji 3, which is not releasing in India, writing: 'Diljit be like — 'When this is what you had to do, then why didn't you let my film release in India?''
The film has become a flashpoint after India blamed Pakistan for the deadly Pahalgam attack — allegations Pakistan has strongly denied. What followed was a sharp military escalation, including overnight Indian airstrikes on Pakistani territory. According to the ISPR, the strikes hit six sites, killing 31 civilians and injuring 57, including women and children.
Pakistani celebrities, including Aamir, issued statements condemning the attacks. The actor's Instagram story, calling the strikes 'cowardly' and 'shameful,' sparked backlash across the border and calls for a boycott of the film.
As part of the fallout, several Pakistani social media accounts and entertainment platforms were blocked in India. That makes the recent quiet reversal all the more surprising.
However, not all reactions were critical. Some Indian fans welcomed the move and called for a broader cultural unblocking. 'Then what is the problem in releasing the Sardaar Ji 3 movie?' one user asked.
Others voiced support for restoring access to Pakistani music on Indian platforms. Pakistani songs were removed from Indian libraries on Spotify following a directive from the Indian government.
'What wrong did Atif Aslam do? Please unblock his account,' read one post.
'I just want Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Noor Jehan and Kavish back,' another wrote.
It's unclear what the Indian government's strategy is here and whether this signals a softening in its policy on cross-border collaborations and cultural exchanges. Either way, the digital border appears to be shifting once again — albeit quietly.
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