After Hania Aamir, Fawad Khan and Aatif Aslam's Instagram account NO MORE accessible to Indians

In a sharp escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, Indian Instagram users have found themselves unable to access the profiles of several high-profile Pakistani celebrities. After actress Hania Aamir’s account became inaccessible earlier this week, the Instagram handles of Fawad Khan and singer Atif Aslam have now also been blocked in India.

The digital move comes just days after a horrifying terror incident shook the country. In the serene valley of Pahalgam in Kashmir, 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, lost their lives in a brutal attack. Survivors reported that the assailants targeted victims based on religion, executing them at point-blank range. The Indian government has attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militants, prompting a wave of diplomatic and policy-level reprisals.

Among these actions, India has suspended the historic Indus Waters Treaty, sealed the only land border crossing at Attari, and downgraded diplomatic ties. In retaliation, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft and halted all trade, even through third-party nations.

Caught in this political storm are beloved Pakistani artists with substantial Indian fanbases. Hania Aamir, known for her performances in hit Pakistani dramas like Mere Humsafar, reacted to the incident by calling it “a tragedy for all, regardless of borders.” Now, Fawad Khan and Atif Aslam both widely admired in India have also faced digital isolation.

Fawad, who gained massive popularity with Bollywood hits like Kapoor & Sons and Khoobsurat, has often found himself at the center of India-Pakistan cultural debates. His recent film Abir Gulaal, already under scrutiny also faced a ban amid the tensions.

Similarly, Atif Aslam, whose soulful tracks once dominated Indian playlists, has seen his songs gradually disappear from Bollywood soundtracks since the 2016 Uri attacks. With his Instagram now blocked in India, fans are left with fading memories and unofficial remixes.

As tensions mount and cultural exchanges dwindle, the future looks uncertain for cross-border entertainment. What once was a bridge built on art and music is now overshadowed by political conflict and public sentiment.