ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Following the Pahalgam attack and rising tension, the Indian government has banned YouTube channels for major Pakistani entertainment channels, including HUM TV, ARY Digital, and Geo Entertainment.
The media also reported that several Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebrities have been blocked in India, including those belonging to Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, and Sajal Aly.
The move, officially announced by the Indian government, has sparked disappointment among fans and content creators alike, as Pakistan’s television dramas had built a strong and loyal following in India over the past decade.
As the user attempts to access the YouTube channels of drama platforms, they get the message, “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.”
Pakistani dramas that have been developing a massive fandom in the country are a big source of entertainment for Indian families due to their emotional narratives, relatable characters, and compact episode lengths.
Furthermore, fans trying to access the Instagram accounts of their favorite actors see a message stating: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
Affected celebrities include Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas Khan, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, and others, many of whom enjoy widespread popularity in India due to their contributions to hit dramas and films.
The restriction appears to be part of a larger digital crackdown initiated by New Delhi, reportedly aimed at minimising Pakistan’s cultural influence in India.
The latest restrictions follow the earlier banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels and several news outlets after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam of Indian-occupied Kashmir, which killed 26 people, for which India blames Pakistan. For its part, Pakistan has denied any involvement.
