Instagram Access to Leading Pakistani Artists Cut Off in India
May 1, 2025
Many famous Pakistani actors, such as Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar, had their Instagram accounts blocked in India just days after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian users who are trying to reach them receive a message that indicates that the content is not available in their region.
Digital Fallout After Cross-Border Tensions Rise
The move comes in the backdrop of growing tension between India and Pakistan as a result of the incident that took place in the Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, where Indian soldiers were attacked in a deadly encounter leading to the death of the security personnel. While no official statement has come from the government, surely the prohibition on the accounts of Pakistani celebrities is linked to India’s digital response.
Cultural and Social Impact in the Spotlight
The banning of major Pakistani Instagram accounts has brought back discussions about the cultural gap between the two nations. Recently, we’ve also seen the ban of Pakistani artists in Indian cinema and on streaming music platforms. Here again, social media—as one of the last bridges left to communicate—has also faced the same impact.
No official explanation yet from Instagram.
Currently, Instagram has not issued an official statement about the geo-blocking of these profiles in India. It is also unclear as to whether the geo-blocking was enforced, voluntarily, by Meta (Instagram’s parent company) or if it was enforced at the request of Indian authorities. The profiles are still available outside of India.
Also read : What’s Coming to Prime Video in May 2025? 10 Reasons You’ll Cancel Your Weekend Plans.
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