In the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, India has intensified its diplomatic and digital measures against Pakistan. Among these actions is the restriction of access to the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan, for users in India. Notably, Fawad Khan's Instagram account remains accessible within the country.
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Digital Disconnection: Instagram Accounts Blocked
Indian users attempting to access the Instagram profiles of Pakistani actors Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan are now met with a "User Not Found" message. This move is part of a broader strategy by India to sever digital and cultural ties with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, which targeted Hindu tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. The attack has been attributed to militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist organization .
In addition to these restrictions, India has also banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative content, further escalating the digital divide between the two nations
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Fawad Khan's Social Media Presence Remains Unaffected
Contrary to the restrictions imposed on other Pakistani celebrities, actor Fawad Khan's Instagram account remains accessible to Indian users. Khan, who has previously expressed his reluctance to engage actively on social media, revealed that his accounts were set up by Indian actors Sonam Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra during his stint in Bollywood . The reasons behind the selective blocking of certain accounts have not been officially disclosed.
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Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Catalyst for Escalation
The Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Hindu men and one Nepali national, has been described as one of the deadliest civilian-targeted incidents in Kashmir since the 2008 Mumbai attacks . Survivors recounted that the assailants, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, specifically targeted individuals based on their religion . takes over Pahalgam terror attack case |
In response, India has taken several measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and expelling Pakistani diplomats . The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the attack, with investigations pointing towards involvement of Pakistan-based operatives .
International Calls for Restraint
The escalating tensions have drawn international concern. The United States has urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate, emphasizing the importance of regional stability . Pakistan, while denying involvement in the attack, has warned of potential Indian military action and has vowed to respond if provoked .
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Conclusion
The digital blackout of Pakistani celebrities' social media accounts in India reflects the broader deterioration of bilateral relations following the Pahalgam terror attack. As both nations navigate this period of heightened tension, the intersection of politics, culture, and digital platforms underscores the complexities of modern diplomacy and the far-reaching impacts of geopolitical conflicts.
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