Indian users can’t access these accounts and are served a message that the content is restricted due to a legal request. “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content,” the message reads.
But some Pakistani stars like Fawad Khan, Mawra Hocane and singer Atif Aslam, still have accessible Instagram accounts for Indian users. Additionally, the Instagram account of Pasoori creators Ali Sethi and Shae Gill is also accessible in India.
Apart from this, Sanam Teri Kasam actor Mawra Hocane and Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s accounts are also visible to users in India.
The move to ban the accounts comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives and misinformation against India.
The 16 Pakistani YouTube channels that were banned include Dawn News, SAMAA TV, Irshad Bhatti, ARY News, BOL News, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, Geo News, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket. Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News HD, and Razi Naama.
The Indian government has also restricted access to the X account of the Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) in India. The account displays a message stating “Account Withheld, @GovtofPakistan has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand.”
India announced punitive measures, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down the Attari land border crossing and downgrading diplomatic ties, against Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack.
Pakistan retaliated, shutting its airspace to Indian airliners and suspending all trade with the country, including through third countries.
Additionally, Pakistan rejected the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and warned that “any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan … will be considered as an act of war”.
