India bans the social media accounts of Pakistani celebrities again on Thursday after they were unblocked for a brief time period on July 2.
This happened on July 3, 2025. The accounts were briefly visible on July 2.
The unbanning of Pakistani content in India led to massive backlash from Bhakts and right-wing RSS supporters, as authorities quickly claimed that “technical issues” led to the unbanning of Pakistani accounts.
Authorities then restored the block after facing extreme backlash from hardcore extremists in India.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs recommended blocking 16 YouTube channels from Pakistan.
India Bans following accounts
Following the Pahalgam incident, Modi government banned Pakistani content and channels in India.
The banned channels include Dawn News, ARY News, Samaa TV, Bol News, and Geo News. Other channels blocked are Irshad Bhatti, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, Suno News, and Raazi Naama.
Social media profiles of Pakistani actors and cricketers are also blocked.
Actors include Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Danish Taimoor, Yumna Zaidi, Fawad Khan, Mawra Hocane, and Hania Aamir. Cricketers include Shahid Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Wasim Akram, Shan Masood, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan, and Shoaib Akhtar.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory. It told OTT platforms and digital services to stop Pakistani content. This includes web series, films, songs, and podcasts. The ministry cited “national security” as the reason behind the blockade.
It mentioned the Pahalgam attack on April 22. The attack killed several people, including Indians and a Nepali citizen. The ministry quoted IT rules. It said content must not harm India’s unity or security. Intermediaries must ensure users follow these rules.
Senior defence analysts, while talking to Azaad English, stated that the Indian government initiated a massive campaign of disinformation online against Pakistan.
According to experts, the Indian government had created an “eco-chamber” involving Indian media and social media to create a false narrative for its public.
After the Indian government had made these shortsighted policies overnight, the unbanning of Pakistani channels in India has hurt the BJP supporters.
In an attempt to create anti-Pakistan sentiments among the general public, RAW-affiliated extremists social media accounts have started sharing altered image of renowned cricketer Shahid Afridi’s instagram story.
