In the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has taken a decisive measure by restricting access to Instagram profiles of several prominent Pakistani public figures. The blocked accounts include those of Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Ali Zafar—celebrities who enjoy widespread admiration and devoted followings among Indian audiences.
When Indian users now attempt to view these social media profiles, they are greeted with a notification that reads, “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” The restriction, initiated as part of a formal directive, has sparked significant reactions online.
The sudden removal of access to beloved Pakistani stars left many Indian fans disappointed and disheartened. However, rather than accepting the loss, a large number of fans began using VPN (Virtual Private Network) services to bypass the block and reconnect with their favourite personalities. Among those who remained at the centre of this online reconnection was the immensely popular actress Hania Aamir.
Despite the imposed digital barrier, her Indian admirers returned in large numbers to engage with her posts, using alternative methods to reach her. Comments such as “We miss you” and “Don’t worry, we got a VPN just for you” flooded her page. News 18 shared some of the screen shots.
Known for her genuine online presence and warm interaction with fans, Hania responded with affectionate and playful messages. Replies like “Ro doongi” (I’m going to cry) and “Love you” reflected her appreciation and emotional connection with her Indian followers, maintaining the bond despite geopolitical divides.
The decision to geo-restrict these profiles is being interpreted as part of a broader political and security reaction following the gruesome attack in Pahalgam. On what should have been a peaceful outing in the lush Baisaran meadows, a group of gunmen launched a deadly ambush that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals—25 of whom were tourists. The attack, carried out by heavily armed militants, has been described as one of the most devastating assaults on civilians in the region since the Mumbai attacks of 2008.
As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, measures like social media restrictions are becoming tools in the larger diplomatic and national security framework, reflecting both the gravity of the threat and the complex web of cultural and emotional ties that continue to exist across borders.
When Indian users now attempt to view these social media profiles, they are greeted with a notification that reads, “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” The restriction, initiated as part of a formal directive, has sparked significant reactions online.
The sudden removal of access to beloved Pakistani stars left many Indian fans disappointed and disheartened. However, rather than accepting the loss, a large number of fans began using VPN (Virtual Private Network) services to bypass the block and reconnect with their favourite personalities. Among those who remained at the centre of this online reconnection was the immensely popular actress Hania Aamir.
Despite the imposed digital barrier, her Indian admirers returned in large numbers to engage with her posts, using alternative methods to reach her. Comments such as “We miss you” and “Don’t worry, we got a VPN just for you” flooded her page. News 18 shared some of the screen shots.
Known for her genuine online presence and warm interaction with fans, Hania responded with affectionate and playful messages. Replies like “Ro doongi” (I’m going to cry) and “Love you” reflected her appreciation and emotional connection with her Indian followers, maintaining the bond despite geopolitical divides.
The decision to geo-restrict these profiles is being interpreted as part of a broader political and security reaction following the gruesome attack in Pahalgam. On what should have been a peaceful outing in the lush Baisaran meadows, a group of gunmen launched a deadly ambush that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals—25 of whom were tourists. The attack, carried out by heavily armed militants, has been described as one of the most devastating assaults on civilians in the region since the Mumbai attacks of 2008.
As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, measures like social media restrictions are becoming tools in the larger diplomatic and national security framework, reflecting both the gravity of the threat and the complex web of cultural and emotional ties that continue to exist across borders.
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