WEBDESK: Abida Parveen’s Instagram account has been blocked in India, sparking a wave of controversy amidst escalating political tensions between the two countries. The renowned Sufi singer, known for her soulful performances, saw her Instagram profile unavailable to Indian users due to a legal request. While her account is still accessible through virtual private networks (VPNs), many are concerned about the growing censorship and its impact on cultural exchange.
The recent Pahalgam attack in India has escalated tensions between Pakistan and India thus provoking this move. Digital censorship trends have made Abida Parveen’s Instagram account one of several Pakistani social media profiles that India has blocked from access.
The blockade has sparked considerations regarding political influences on digital platforms as well as their restrictions on artistic freedom.
Abida Parveen’s music, deeply rooted in Sufism, has always been celebrated for its ability to bridge cultural gaps. She enjoys a massive following not only in Pakistan but also in India, where her fans have expressed outrage over the recent blockage of her Instagram account. Many see this as a setback for the shared cultural history between the two nations, one that has been shaped by music, art, and spirituality.
Although restrictions exist Abida Parveen maintains a powerful international reach that proves unbreakable. The musician continues to function as a representation of harmonious unity and peaceful coexistence in her music while moving past geopolitical and political limitations.
Viewers from worldwide communities demonstrate backing to governments suggesting they should resist mixing politics and artistic ventures so cultural creators can freely disseminate their creations.
Indian bans have previously affected Pakistani public figures multiple times. Pakistani actors Hania Aamir along with Mahira Khan and Iqra Aziz also encounter restrictions in access to Indian entertainment platforms.
Several prominent figures including Atta Tarar and Shehbaz Sharif as well as Bilawal Bhutto and Imran Khan found their accounts suspended. The Indian government has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels alongside Geo News, Dunya News and ARY News—indicating a growing pattern of blocking Pakistani digital content.
Azaad digital ‘X’ account also banned in India.
