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Arab News
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Pakistani films Nayab and Deemak win top honors at SCO Film Festival in China
ISLAMABAD: Two Pakistani films, Nayab and Deemak, have won major accolades at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival in China, state-run news agency APP reported on Monday. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ The festival showcased 27 films from SCO member states, including China, Russia, Pakistan, India, and Central Asian countries. Organized to foster regional cinematic exchange, the event featured screenings, industry forums, a film technology expo, and a gala concert, with awards presented in ten categories. The SCO Film Festival first launched in 2018 and is a cultural initiative of the multilateral bloc to promote cooperation in cinema and the creative industries among member countries. 'Pakistani film Nayab and Deemak received prestigious 'Jury Special Award' and 'Best Editing Award' respectively at the colorful concluding ceremony of SCO film festival held at Chongqing, China,' Associated Press of Pakistan reported. Nayab, released in 2024, is a sports-drama centered on a young woman from Karachi, played by Yumna Zaidi, who aspires to become a professional cricketer despite intense family and societal opposition. The cast includes Fawad Khan, Javed Sheikh, and Adnan Siddiqui. The film has previously won multiple awards, including Best Foreign Film and Best First-Time Filmmaker (Feature) at the World Film Festival in Cannes, and a Special Jury Diploma at the 30th Minsk International Film Festival. 'The cinema was packed, and what truly moved me was how deeply they engaged with the film,' Nayab's director Umair Nasir Ali told APP after the film's screen at the SCO festival. 'They picked up on the layers, the emotional arcs and asked thoughtful, relevant questions that showed how closely they had followed the story.' Deemak is a psychological horror film directed by Rafay Akbar Rashdi and starring Soniya Hussyn, Faysal Quraishi, Samina Peerzada, and Bushra Ansari. Set in an aging home haunted by unexplained phenomena, the film explores family tensions and mental trauma. It became Pakistan's highest-grossing horror film when it released earlier this year, earning over Rs60 million [$211,173] in its opening week. Pakistan's film industry has seen a steady resurgence in recent years, with a new generation of filmmakers experimenting with genres from sports dramas to horror and social realism. Joyland (2022) became the first Pakistani feature to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section, and was later selected as Pakistan's official entry to the Oscars. The country has also received two Academy Award wins in the documentary short category by filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Meanwhile, The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022) set new box office records, becoming Pakistan's highest-grossing film to date and finding global audiences with its big-budget, Punjabi-language action storytelling.
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.
Asia News Network
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Asia News Network
India quietly lifts social media ban on select Pakistani celebrity accounts to the dismay of some
July 3, 2025 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.
Economic Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Blocked again! Pakistani celebs like Yumna Zaidi, Ahad Raza, Shahid Afridi, Mawra Hocane vanish from Indian social media after brief return
Pakistani celebrities' social media accounts, briefly accessible in India, are now blocked again following a legal request. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has renewed its demand for a complete ban on Pakistani content, citing terror attacks and alleged anti-India statements by some artists. AICWA argues that cutting ties with Pakistan won't harm India's economy or entertainment industry. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads AICWA demands complete ban Terror attacks and recent tensions cited Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads No loss to India, says association Just a day after Pakistani celebrities' social media profiles briefly became accessible to users in India, they have once again been blocked. Instagram accounts of popular actors such as Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor were briefly visible. YouTube channels of former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar, along with entertainment platforms like Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo, were also temporarily by Thursday morning, these accounts were once again restricted. Users searching for them were met with the message: 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.'Earlier on Wednesday, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) renewed its call for a total and permanent ban on Pakistani nationals and entertainment content in India. The association sent an official appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a full digital and cultural disconnect from a post on X (formerly Twitter), AICWA said the reappearance of Pakistani actors and channels was 'an emotional assault' on the families of terrorism victims. The group specifically named Mawra Hocane and Yumna Zaidi, calling their social media presence 'a direct insult to the sacrifice of our martyred soldiers'.AICWA referred to previous terror attacks such as 26/11, Pulwama, Uri, and the recent Pahalgam tragedy, which killed 26 civilians. It also raised concerns about statements allegedly made by Pakistani celebrities after India's recent Operation Sindoor, claiming that instead of showing remorse, some artists had spoken against association highlighted that Pakistan has already banned Indian films and content since the Pulwama attack. 'India has diplomatic and cultural ties with nearly 200 countries. Cutting off Pakistan will not harm our economy or entertainment industry,' AICWA said. It called for a nationwide digital blackout of Pakistani media, a ban on all collaborations involving Pakistani citizens, and a permanent cultural disconnect as a tribute to Indian from agencies
News18
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi's Instagram Accounts Blocked Again For Indian Users
Last Updated: Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebs like Mawra Hocane and Yumna Zaidi have been blocked again in India after being briefly visible. No official reason has been provided yet. In a surprising turn of events, the Instagram profiles of popular Pakistani celebrities like Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi, Danish Taimoor, and others have once again become inaccessible in India, just days after a temporary lifting of the previous restrictions. The re-blocking has left netizens puzzled, especially in the absence of any official clarification from the Indian government. The initial ban on these profiles was imposed in May 2025, following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam and India's swift military retaliation under Operation Sindoor. As part of the fallout, India had blocked social media accounts of Pakistani public figures—including actors, sportspersons, diplomats, and musicians. On July 1, however, Indian users noticed that some of these previously blocked profiles had become visible again, sparking speculation that the ban might be easing or being lifted in stages. But that optimism was short-lived. By Thursday morning, the profiles were once again restricted, with Instagram displaying the message: 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content." According to a report by News18, an emergency internal review was conducted, after which the government opted to reinstate the ban. While no official statement has been released yet, the decision underscores the continued sensitivity surrounding cross-border digital engagement post-Pahalgam. Meanwhile, the entertainment industry has also responded with strict measures. Indian film and music bodies have reportedly agreed to a complete freeze on collaborations with Pakistani artists. This has already affected high-profile projects, including Abir Gulaal, a film starring Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan, which was shelved before release. Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has also come under fire recently for his film Sardaar Ji 3, in which he stars opposite Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The actor clarified that the film was completed well before the Pahalgam incident and was released only in international markets to avoid financial losses. As the digital and cultural fallout continues, the situation remains tense with no sign of immediate resolution. First Published: July 03, 2025, 11:02 IST
