In a significant development that has stirred both national and international discourse, the Indian government has initiated a crackdown on Pakistani celebrity Instagram accounts. This move, which has garnered widespread attention, raises pertinent questions about digital sovereignty, cultural diplomacy, and the intersection of politics and social media.
India Bans Pakistani Celebrity Mahira Khan, Hania Amir's Instagram Accounts.
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| Pakistani Celebrity Mahira Khan, Hania Amir's Instagram Accounts Blocked |
Pahalgam Attack And Escalating Tensions.
The immediate trigger for this action, was the tragic terrorist attack in
Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted
in the deaths of 26 Hindu tourists. India has accused Pakistan of
orchestrating the attack, leading to heightened public outrage and a
series of retaliatory measures.
In the aftermath, Indian authorities have taken steps to block access to
16 Pakistani YouTube channels deemed to be spreading misleading content.
Additionally, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif's X (formerly
Twitter) account was banned, marking a significant escalation in the
digital domain.
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| Pakistani Celebrity Mahira Khan, Hania Amir's Instagram Accounts |
The Ban On Pakistani Celebrity Instagram Accounts
Following these events, the Indian government decided to take actions on social media accounts, targeting the Instagram accounts of prominent Pakistani celebrities. Notable figures such as Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir and Ali Zafar have reported restrictions on their Instagram profiles within India. Although account of actor Fawad Khan is active yet, there is a possibility it may be taken down soon.This move has sparked a debate about the role of social media in international relations and the extent to which governments can regulate digital content.
Mahira Khan worked as Video Jockey for many shows and later began her
Acting career. Her popularity earned her a lead role, against top
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan in Hindi film called "Raees". Read more on
Wikipedia
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| Mahira Khan | Picture Source-Wikipedia |
Hania Amir is also a very popular actress from Pakistan. She is loved by
millions for her cute looks and her acting talent. Check out the list of
films and TV shows on
Wikipedia.
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| Hania Amir | Picture Source -Wikipedia |
Legal And Judicial Perspectives.
The legal landscape surrounding this issue is complex. In 2023, the
Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking a ban on Pakistani artists
in India, emphasizing that such a move would be a "retrograde step" in
promoting cultural harmony. The court highlighted that arts, music,
sports, culture, and dance transcend national boundaries and contribute to
unity and peace.
However, the recent actions by the Indian government appear to contradict this judicial stance, raising questions about the consistency and transparency of policies related to digital content and foreign nationals.
Social media platforms like Instagram have become powerful tools for cultural exchange and diplomacy. Celebrities often use these platforms to connect with global audiences, share personal experiences, and promote cross-cultural understanding. The banning of Pakistani celebrity accounts in India disrupts this flow of information and may have long-term implications for people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Public Reactions And Media Coverage.
The public response to these bans has been mixed. While some support the government's actions as a necessary measure in the face of national security threats, others view it as an overreach that punishes individuals for the actions of their governments. Media coverage has also been polarized, with some outlets framing the bans as justified, while others criticize them as detrimental to cultural diplomacy.
This incident is part of a larger trend of increasing governmental control over digital spaces. India's Information Technology Rules, 2021, grant the government significant authority to regulate online content and demand compliance from social media platforms.
The banning of Pakistani celebrity Instagram accounts raises important questions about the balance between national security and freedom of expression in the digital age.
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