In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India geo-blocked Instagram accounts of some of Pakistan’s biggest stars, such as Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, and Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. These are some of the country’s most popular public figures and have a considerable fan base in India.
When Indian Instagram users attempt to visit these accounts, a message appears saying: ‘Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content’.
The step is seen largely as part of India’s response to rising tensions in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, when 26 people including 25 tourists among them were gunned down in one of the worst terror strikes after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Militants attacked a delegation that was touring the scenic Baisaran meadows, which should have otherwise been a peaceful outing.
Indian fans have also managed to bypass the ban despite the restrictions. Many used VPN services so that they could access their favorite Pakistani celebrities again. Actress Aamir proved to be a particularly popular figure among fans in this online reunion.
Fans flooded her Instagram comments section 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 response, Hania known for her engaging social media presence warmly replied to many. Her messages ranged from ‘ro doongi’ (I’m gonna cry) to affectionate notes like ‘love you’.
The sudden restriction of access to Instagram shows how political tensions spill over into the digital and cultural sphere, but also how supporters bridge gaps, even across blocked borders.
