New Delhi. Following the terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani celebrities have also come under scrutiny. Accounts of well-known stars such as Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, and Ali Zafar have been banned, particularly as they enjoy a significant following among Indian audiences. However, Fawad Khan, Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan were not initially included in this ban. As public outcry grew, many demanded that their accounts be blocked as well, leading to the recent decision to restrict these three stars’ Instagram profiles in India.
With the blocking of the Instagram accounts of Fawad Khan, Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, discussions on social media surged, with music fans expressing their discontent. Many users voiced concerns for the future of Coke Studio Pakistan amidst this fallout.
When Indian users attempt to access these Instagram accounts, they receive a message stating: ‘The account is not available in India. We have complied with a legal request to restrict this content.’
This action is a reaction to the escalating tensions between the two nations following the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 tourists. The incident is considered one of the most deadly since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
In addition to Fawad, Atif, and Rahat, numerous other prominent Pakistani artists have also faced account restrictions in India. This includes popular figures like Samam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, and Sajal Ali, all of whom have appeared in television dramas and films viewed on Indian OTT platforms.
This ban is not confined to Instagram; the Indian government recently ordered the blocking of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including well-known media outlets such as Don News, Geo News, ARY News, and Sama TV. This decision was made on national security grounds, citing ‘provocative, communally sensitive content and misinformation targeting India.’
The impact of this digital ban extends to Bollywood as well. The much-anticipated Indo-Pak film ‘Abir Gulal,’ starring Fawad Khan and Vani Kapoor, has been halted. According to PTI sources, the film, which was slated for release in India on May 9, will no longer be launched. This decision reflects the growing public sentiment against featuring Pakistani artists in Indian cinema, particularly during periods of heightened Indo-Pak tensions.
Fawad Khan, who gained fame through his roles in films like ‘Beautiful,’ ‘Kapoor and Sons,’ and ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil,’ was seen as a symbol of cross-border cinematic collaboration. His return to Bollywood with ‘Abir Gulal’ was viewed as a hopeful sign for cultural exchange. However, recent events have raised doubts not only about his film but also regarding the future of creative collaborations between the two countries.
Similarly, renowned singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, whose music has resonated with many Indian fans, now find themselves digitally erased from the Indian entertainment landscape. This development has disappointed a large number of supporters, but it aligns with the broader political climate.
Although the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has yet to issue an official statement, the ongoing series of restrictions suggests a concerted effort to limit media, content, and artists linked to Pakistan. Industry insiders and experts believe that as geopolitical tensions escalate, cultural boycotts like these may become increasingly common.
