Instagram blocks Pakistani celebrities in India amid post-Pahalgam tensions

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, several popular Pakistani celebrities have had their Instagram accounts restricted from access in India. Users attempting to view profiles of actors like Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, and Sajal Aly have met with the message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”

Also Read: Tensions escalate as Pakistan fires along international border after Pahalgam attack

This move comes shortly after the Indian government banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including prominent media networks like Dawn News, ARY News, Geo News, and Samaa TV. These channels were blocked for allegedly spreading misinformation, false narratives, and provocative content targeting India’s security forces, particularly in the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy.

The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred a week ago, saw 26 people killed, when heavily armed terrorists ambushed a group on the Baisaran grasslands near Pahalgam. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (Let) claimed responsibility for the attack. India has since identified three Pakistani terrorists involved, citing digital evidence to link Islamabad to the assault.