Latest news with #MawraHocane
Gulf Today
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
India blocks Pakistani stars' social media accounts again, ban on YouTube channels stays
All Pakistani accounts on X have been blocked in India after briefly being accessible in the past few days, official sources confirmed on Thursday. Just a day after the Instagram and YouTube accounts of several Pakistani celebrities became visible once again in India, the Indian government has reinstated the digital restrictions, citing a 'technical glitch' for their brief reappearance. By Thursday morning, the Instagram and X profiles of stars such as Mawra Hocane, Ahad Raza Mir, and Saba Qamar were once again inaccessible to Indian users, reported India Today. Those attempting to view their pages were met with the message: 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.' The move comes in continuation of India's escalating digital and diplomatic restrictions against Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. After the attack, India responded with a series of retaliatory measures, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and the launch of Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror launch pads inside Pakistan. Among the measures was a wide-reaching crackdown on Pakistani media and social media content — encompassing accounts of actors, cricketers, and internet influencers — across Instagram, X, YouTube, and other platforms. Although several of these accounts had recently become accessible again, prompting criticism and questions about their restoration, they are now re-blocked. When users in India try to access these profiles, they are met with a message stating: "Account Withheld. (Name of the account) has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand." On Wednesday, users briefly gained access to X and Instagram accounts of several Pakistani actors and internet personalities, including Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor, as well as YouTube channels run by former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar. However, accounts belonging to Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Hania Aamir remained blocked throughout. Additionally, the ban on YouTube also remains, sources said. Earlier in May, the Indian government issued an advisory directing all OTT platforms and digital intermediaries to discontinue content originating from Pakistan. The advisory, dated May 8, 2025, and issued under the IT Rules, 2021, stated that "content hosted or streamed must not threaten India's sovereignty, integrity, national security, or public order." It explicitly instructed media platforms to remove "web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming content" produced in Pakistan, whether on subscription-based or free platforms. Following the brief restoration of access to some Pakistani accounts, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) made an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a total blackout of all Pakistani social media presence in India. The association called the visibility of such accounts an "insult to the sacrifice of our martyred soldiers" and an "emotional assault" on Indians who have lost loved ones to terror attacks orchestrated by Pakistan. Citing major terror incidents like 26/11, Pulwama, Uri, and the recent Pahalgam attack, AICWA labelled Pakistan a "terrorist nation" and condemned Pakistani artists who, according to them, have "shamelessly spoken against India instead of showing remorse." In their appeal, AICWA put forth three specific demands -- a complete digital blackout of all Pakistani accounts and media channels in India; a ban on all future collaborations or promotions involving Pakistani nationals; and a permanent cultural disconnect from Pakistan as a tribute to the Indian Armed Forces and the families of martyrs. Agencies
India.com
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Fact Check: Were Pakistani Cricketers' Social Media Accounts Really Unblocked In India? Here's The Truth
On July 2, Indian netizens were stunned to find the once-blocked Instagram accounts of prominent Pakistani celebrities — including actors Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi, Danish Taimoor, and former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar — briefly accessible. The unexpected visibility sparked widespread confusion and debate, especially in light of India's recent digital crackdown following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. However, within hours, access was revoked. NDTV reported that the temporary restoration was due to "technical reasons." As of now, there has been no official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs or the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology regarding a policy change or backend issue. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) swiftly issued an urgent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding an 'immediate and irreversible digital blackout' of all Pakistani entertainers and influencers on Indian platforms. In its statement, AICWA expressed outrage over the brief reinstatement of access to Pakistani accounts, calling it an 'emotional assault on the families of our martyred soldiers.' The letter referenced multiple terror incidents — from the 2008 Mumbai attacks to Pulwama and the recent Pahalgam tragedy — to underline the sentiment. The body made three key demands: A complete ban on Pakistani digital content and media in India. A prohibition on any future collaboration with Pakistani artists or influencers. A long-term cultural disengagement, citing national sentiment and security concerns. Why Were These Accounts Blocked in the First Place? Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people — including 24 Indian tourists — the Indian government took aggressive diplomatic and digital measures. Blaming Pakistan-backed terror groups like The Resistance Front, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across the border. In the digital realm, over 16 Pakistan-linked YouTube channels and dozens of social media profiles were geo-blocked for Indian audiences. This included not only celebrities but also media outlets like Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo. The action was taken under the IT Rules, 2021, citing national security risks and public order disruptions. Which Accounts Remained Blocked Despite the Glitch? While some Instagram and YouTube profiles became momentarily accessible, top names like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and channels associated with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and cricketers Shaheen Afridi and Shoaib Malik remained blocked throughout. Indian users trying to view these profiles received a message that read: 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.' This further confirms that the unblocking was not a blanket reversal but a likely technical slip affecting a select few profiles temporarily. Tensions Still Simmer: No Official Reversal in Sight With diplomatic tensions still high following the four-day cross-border skirmishes post-Pahalgam, it is unlikely that India will relax its digital stance any time soon. The fact that no formal statement was issued from either Pakistan or India about the account visibility supports the theory that it was unintentional. Moreover, India's May 8 advisory to OTT and streaming platforms still stands. It mandates immediate takedown of any Pakistan-origin content, including web series, music videos, or interviews, reinforcing the government's strict approach to cross-border digital influence.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Social media a/cs of Pakistani celebs stay blocked
Representative image NEW DELHI: The social media accounts of several Pakistani actors and cricketers remain blocked after it was reported that certain celeb accounts were now accessible to Indian users. On Wednesday, Instagram accounts of certain Pakistan actors, including Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor, briefly appeared to be accessible to the Indian audience. This sparked outrage. However, as of Thursday morning these accounts continue to be withheld in country. Upon searching for their accounts, users can see a message: "Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content." However, YouTube channels of Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar and entertainment channels like Green TV are still available for viewing in India. However, prominent Pakistani actors, such as Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Hania Aamir, are still not accessible to Indian users on Instagram, as their accounts remain blocked. India had banned social media of several Pakistani actors and cricketers after they reportedly spewed anti-India content after Operation Sindoor , which was launched on May 7 in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Earlier in April, India had announced a ban on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative and communally sensitive content and misinformation against India, its Army and security agencies in the backdrop of Pahalgam attack. The significant action followed recommendations of ministry of home affairs (MHA). These channels were found to be disseminating false and unverified information related to India's national security, foreign relations, and public order.
Daily Tribune
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
India Blocks Pakistani Accounts on X Amid Ongoing Digital Crackdown
All Pakistani accounts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) have once again been blocked in India, after briefly becoming accessible earlier this week, officials confirmed Thursday. The move is the latest in a series of escalating digital and diplomatic measures taken by India following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed by militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba's proxy group, The Resistance Front. In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor and suspended the Indus Water Treaty, while also initiating a sweeping crackdown on Pakistani digital content. This includes restricting access to social media accounts of Pakistani celebrities, influencers, and media personalities across X, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms. Although some accounts, including those of popular actors and former cricketers, had recently become accessible again—sparking public criticism—the government has now reinstated the block. Users attempting to access these accounts are greeted with a message: "Account Withheld. (Name of the account) has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand." Among those briefly visible were the X and Instagram profiles of Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor, as well as YouTube channels operated by Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar. However, profiles of Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Hania Aamir remained blocked throughout. The ban on Pakistani YouTube channels also remains in place, officials added. In May, the Indian government issued an advisory under the IT Rules, 2021, directing all OTT platforms and digital intermediaries to cease hosting or streaming Pakistani content. The notice instructed platforms to remove films, web series, music, podcasts, and other digital material originating from Pakistan, stating such content must not jeopardize India's sovereignty, integrity, national security, or public order. Following the brief reappearance of several accounts this week, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) issued an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a complete digital blackout of all Pakistani presence in India. Calling the restored access an 'insult to the sacrifice of our martyred soldiers,' AICWA urged the government to: The digital clampdown remains part of India's broader stance to tighten both cultural and cyber frontiers amid heightened national security concerns.
Gulf Insider
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
India Blocks Pakistani Accounts On X Amid Ongoing Digital Crackdown
All Pakistani accounts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) have once again been blocked in India, after briefly becoming accessible earlier this week, officials confirmed Thursday. The move is the latest in a series of escalating digital and diplomatic measures taken by India following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed by militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba's proxy group, The Resistance Front. In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor and suspended the Indus Water Treaty, while also initiating a sweeping crackdown on Pakistani digital content. This includes restricting access to social media accounts of Pakistani celebrities, influencers, and media personalities across X, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms. Although some accounts, including those of popular actors and former cricketers, had recently become accessible again—sparking public criticism—the government has now reinstated the block. Users attempting to access these accounts are greeted with a message:'Account Withheld. (Name of the account) has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand.' Among those briefly visible were the X and Instagram profiles of Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor, as well as YouTube channels operated by Shahid Afridi and Shoaib profiles of Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Hania Aamir remained blocked throughout. The ban on Pakistani YouTube channels also remains in place, officials added. In May, the Indian government issued an advisory under the IT Rules, 2021, directing all OTT platforms and digital intermediaries to cease hosting or streaming Pakistani content. The notice instructed platforms to remove films, web series, music, podcasts, and other digital material originating from Pakistan, stating such content must not jeopardize India's sovereignty, integrity, national security, or public order. Following the brief reappearance of several accounts this week, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) issued an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a complete digital blackout of all Pakistani presence in India. Calling the restored access an 'insult to the sacrifice of our martyred soldiers,' AICWA urged the government to: Enforce a total ban on Pakistani media and social media accounts in India Prohibit future collaborations or promotions involving Pakistani nationals Ensure a permanent cultural disconnect in tribute to the Indian Armed Forces and families affected by terrorism The digital clampdown remains part of India's broader stance to tighten both cultural and cyber frontiers amid heightened national security concerns.
