Mahira, Hania blocked, but Fawad, Atif Aslam still visible: Selective Instagram restrictions spark questions in India

Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people—25 of them tourists—Instagram has restricted access to several Pakistani celebrity accounts for users in India. 

However, many Pakistani artists' profiles remain visible in the country, raising questions over the selective nature of the restrictions.

Also Read: Vijay Deverakonda’s passionate kiss steals the spotlight in ‘Kingdom’ promo

Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir Blocked; Fawad Khan, Atif Aslam Still Accessible

Among those whose Instagram profiles are no longer available in India are top Pakistani stars Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Momina Mustehsan, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, Ayeza Khan and Sajal Aly. Attempting to view their pages from India shows a message that reads:

"Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content."

Hania's Insta Account

In contrast, Fawad Khan, Mawra Hocane, Dananeer, Ahad Raza Mir, Danish Taimoor, Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Pasoori artists Ali Sethi and Shae Gill still have their Instagram accounts fully accessible to Indian users. 

Fawad's Insta Account

Social Media Users Question the Selective Blocks

The selective blocking has sparked conversations online, with users wondering why only some accounts have been restricted.

“Only Mahira Khan and Hania Aamir’s Insta blocked. What about other Pak actors and cricketers?” wrote one user. Another demanded, “Ban Pakistani artist Fawad Khan’s Instagram account.”

Instagram Blocks Follow Government Ban on Pakistani YouTube Channels

This wave of Instagram restrictions comes shortly after the Indian government banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news networks like Dawn News, Geo News, Samaa TV, and ARY News. These channels were taken down for allegedly spreading provocative, communally sensitive content and misinformation against India.

Also Read: Pakistani actress Hania Aamir’s Indian fans send her water bottles, hilarious video goes viral

Background: The Pahalgam Attack

The surge in online restrictions follows the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran, near Pahalgam. A group of heavily armed militants opened fire on tourists, leaving 26 dead. The attack is considered the worst in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks and a chilling reminder of earlier decades of terrorism.