In a renewed enforcement of digital content regulations, India has once again restricted access to several Pakistani celebrity accounts on social media platforms. The move is reportedly linked to national security concerns and growing scrutiny over foreign influence in India’s online ecosystem.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is said to have directed the blocking of these accounts under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which allows the Indian government to restrict content that may threaten national security, public order, or sovereignty.
Among those affected are several high-profile Pakistani figures from the entertainment industry, including actors, musicians, and digital influencers. Names such as Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam, and Saba Qamar have previously enjoyed immense popularity in India, especially during times of cross-border cultural exchange. Their social media pages on platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube are now inaccessible to users in India.
This development follows a pattern of similar actions taken in previous years, especially during periods of heightened India-Pakistan tension. The current round of account blocks is believed to be connected to recent posts by some celebrities that commented on politically sensitive matters, including Kashmir and bilateral relations.
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Government officials have not issued a public list of the accounts or detailed reasons behind the decision. However, cybersecurity and geopolitical analysts suggest the move is part of a larger strategy aimed at curbing the spread of narratives perceived as hostile to India’s interests.
The crackdown has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of the government’s stance argue it is a necessary step to safeguard national interests in the digital space. On the other hand, digital rights advocates and cultural commentators have raised concerns over freedom of expression and the increasing use of content bans as a tool of foreign policy.
“This trend of restricting digital content without transparency may lead to broader implications for civil liberties,” noted a Mumbai-based technology policy expert. “It also sets a precedent that could affect how India engages with international online platforms going forward.”
Fans of Pakistani artists in India have also expressed disappointment, with many pointing out that the blocked accounts largely contained entertainment content unrelated to political matters. The move is likely to further reduce the already minimal engagement between artists from both countries, which has been on hold since 2016.
