Why Pakistani Celebrities' Social Media Accounts Were Briefly Visible in India Again
Pakistani actors’ social media briefly unblocked in India due to technical reasons; accounts were reblocked amid ongoing bans following security concerns.
image for illustrative purpose
The social media accounts of several Pakistani actors and cricketers—including Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, and Shoaib Akhtar—briefly became accessible to Indian users on Wednesday due to what sources describe as “technical reasons.” However, most of these profiles were blocked again soon after.
This comes in the wake of a government advisory from May 2025 that ordered OTT platforms and digital intermediaries to restrict content originating from Pakistan, citing national security concerns. The advisory emphasized content should not threaten India’s sovereignty or public order.
While some YouTube channels like Hum TV and ARY Digital have resurfaced in India, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has strongly objected to the reappearance of Pakistani content. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AICWA demanded a full digital ban on all Pakistani artists, citing past terror attacks and the need to honor India’s armed forces.
The renewed digital restrictions follow increased tensions after the deadly April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, claimed by a Pakistan-based group, which killed 25 people.
