In the aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives, India has taken a firm stance across several diplomatic and digital fronts. Among the latest actions is the restriction of Instagram profiles of several high-profile Pakistani celebrities, including well-known actresses Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan.

As of April 30, users in India can no longer access the Instagram accounts of these celebrities. Instagram India has restricted their profiles within the country, following the Indian government’s recent clampdown on content deemed provocative or potentially harmful in light of rising cross-border tensions.

Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, and other Pakistani actors are blocked in India | Credit: X

Indian government also banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels

This move comes just days after the Indian government banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets like Dawn News, Geo News, ARY News, and Samaa TV. According to a government source cited by ANI, the action was based on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs due to the spread of “provocative and communally sensitive content” after the Pahalgam incident.

In addition to Mahira Khan and Hania Aamir, several other well-known Pakistani entertainment figures now have restricted accounts for Indian users. These include Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas Khan, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, and Sajal Aly — all of whom boast significant fan bases in India.

Interestingly, not all Pakistani celebrities have been affected equally. A few prominent figures remain accessible on Instagram from India — most notably Fawad Khan and Atif Aslam. As of now, their profiles can still be viewed by Indian users. Fawad, who was once a frequent presence in Bollywood, continues to maintain popularity among Indian audiences. Atif Aslam, whose music remains widely streamed across the country, has also not faced restrictions yet.

Despite their visibility, the future of these accounts remains uncertain as the Indian government continues to assess digital platforms and public figures amid heightened tensions. Notably, the scheduled Indian release of Fawad Khan’s Bollywood comeback film Abir Gulaal has been cancelled, further indicating the growing divide.

The blocking of celebrity social media accounts is part of a broader set of measures taken by India, which also includes suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan and revoking visas for Pakistani nationals currently in the country.