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In the aftermath of the devastating April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has taken decisive action by geo-blocking the Instagram accounts of prominent Pakistani celebrities.
Among those affected are popular names such as Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Ali Zafar — all of whom enjoy massive fan followings in India.
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Instagram Accounts Blocked in India
Indian users attempting to access the Instagram profiles of these celebrities are now greeted with the message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
The move comes as part of a broader digital and diplomatic response to the rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the attack, which left 26 people dead — 25 of them tourists — during what was meant to be a peaceful outing to the scenic Baisaran grasslands in Pahalgam.
Fans Turn to VPNs to Reconnect
Despite the restrictions, Indian fans have found creative workarounds to stay connected with their favorite stars. Many have subscribed to VPN services to bypass the geo-block and continue interacting with the blocked accounts.
One of the most visible examples has been the continued support for Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Her Instagram posts continue to receive comments from Indian users expressing their affection and frustration, with messages like “Miss you” and “Don’t worry, humne VPN subscription liya hai apke liye” (We’ve taken a VPN subscription for you).
In a heartwarming gesture, Hania responded to several fans with messages such as “ro dungi” (I’m gonna cry) and “love you,” maintaining a cross-border emotional connection in the face of political and digital divides.
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The Pahalgam Terror Attack
The attack that triggered this digital action is regarded as one of the deadliest in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. On April 22, a group of heavily armed militants ambushed a group of tourists in Pahalgam, killing 26 people. The act has intensified national security measures and widened the rift between India and Pakistan, including in the digital sphere.
