Hania Aamir, Ayeza Khan & Iqra Aziz’s Instagram Blocked in India After Govt Ban on Pakistani Dramas

Several popular Pakistani actors, including Hania Amir, Ayeza Khan, Mahira Khan, Feroze Khan, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, and Iqra Aziz, have reportedly restricted access to their Instagram profiles for Indian users. This unexpected move comes shortly after the Indian government's decision to block Pakistani General Entertainment Channels (GEC) content on YouTube. The decision has sparked debates online and raised concerns about the widening digital and cultural divide between the two neighbouring countries.

Indian fans, who have long followed and admired these celebrities, are now unable to view their posts, reels, or stories. Many expressed disappointment and heartbreak on social media, saying they feel cut off from artists they’ve supported for years. Others fear that such restrictions will harm the soft diplomacy and people-to-people bonds built through shared entertainment. While some believe the actors might be reacting to political pressures, others argue that art and culture should rise above such divides and remain accessible to all audiences.

The restriction on Instagram profiles comes on the heels of India’s crackdown on popular Pakistani drama YouTube channels, including those from HUM TV, ARY Digital, and GEO TV. This has left many Indian viewers disappointed, as they can no longer watch the latest episodes of popular Pakistani shows that had large followings in India. With Instagram now being restricted as well, the digital gap between the two countries' entertainment scenes has become more apparent.

The Pahalgam Terror Attack and Government Crackdown

The restrictions coincide with rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, which has shocked the nation. According to government sources, the blocked YouTube channels were not just sharing entertainment content but were accused of spreading provocative, communally sensitive, and fake narratives that targeted India, its Army, and security agencies. The attack on April 22, 2025, in Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam is considered one of the worst since the 2019 Pulwama attack, which killed 40 CRPF jawans.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a thorough investigation into the attack, with senior officers collecting evidence and questioning eyewitnesses. In response, the Indian Army has gone on high alert, conducting search operations across Jammu and Kashmir to track down the terrorists responsible. The Indian government’s strong stance against the spread of fake news, especially in the wake of such a tragedy, has resulted in the banning of several Pakistani channels.

India’s Response to Foreign Media Coverage

Alongside blocking YouTube channels, India has expressed discontent with foreign media coverage of the attack, particularly the BBC’s use of the term "militants" instead of "terrorists." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sent a formal letter to the BBC, urging them to correct the terminology used in their reports. This move highlights the growing concerns over how foreign media portray incidents involving terrorism and its impact on national security.

Comprehensive Crackdown on Pakistani Digital Content

The Indian government has also extended its crackdown to sports and entertainment channels, including popular accounts like those of Shoaib Akhtar and Wasay Habib. Several individual journalists and platforms that were critical of India or featured sensitive political content have been banned as well. The ban reflects India’s effort to control narratives that could potentially destabilize national peace and security.

India’s Digital Sovereignty and National Security

India’s actions underscore its commitment to national security and its refusal to tolerate the spread of provocative content. With growing concerns over misinformation and media influence, the government is prioritizing control over digital platforms to protect citizens from harmful narratives. As tensions between the two countries continue, the digital divide between India and Pakistan deepens.

The ongoing restrictions on digital platforms reflect a larger geopolitical struggle. Whether these actions will permanently affect the entertainment and digital ties between the two countries remains uncertain, but the divide is clearly widening, shaping the future of cross-border digital relations.