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India Geo-Blocks Pakistani Celebs on Instagram After Pahalgam Attack; Fans Turn to VPNs
New Delhi – May 1, 2025:
In the aftermath of the deadly April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, India has geo-blocked several prominent Pakistani celebrities on Instagram, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, and more.
Indian users attempting to view these profiles are now greeted with the message: “Account not available in India. This content has been restricted in response to a legal request.”
Despite the block, Indian fans are turning to VPN services to maintain their digital connection with their favorite Pakistani stars. Actor Hania Aamir, who has a strong fanbase in India, responded emotionally to Indian followers who expressed their support using VPNs.
One fan commented, “Don’t worry, humne VPN subscription liya hai apke liye (We’ve subscribed to a VPN for you).”
Hania replied warmly, “Ro doongi… love you.”
In addition to the Instagram restrictions, India has also banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading disinformation and provocative content aimed at inciting communal tensions and targeting Indian security agencies.
These actions come in response to the Pahalgam attack, where Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 civilians in the Bairsan Valley, a popular tourist area in Jammu and Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack and has since launched several punitive diplomatic and strategic measures. These include:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
- Ban on Pakistani visas and cross-border trade
- Airspace restrictions and export bans
The digital crackdown is part of a broader strategy to curb the influence of Pakistani entities amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
