In a significant move reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions, Instagram has restricted access to the profiles of prominent Pakistani celebrities, including Fawad Khan and Atif Aslam, for users in India. This action follows a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which escalated diplomatic strains between the two nations.The Daily Guardian
Instagram Cites Legal Compliance
Indian users attempting to view the Instagram accounts of Fawad Khan or Atif Aslam are met with a notice stating:
“Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”The Daily Guardian
Instagram further elaborated that the restriction resulted from a legal request, reviewed against their policies and assessed for legal and human rights considerations, leading to content limitation in regions where it contravenes local laws. The Daily Guardian
Broader Impact on Pakistani Artists
The restrictions extend beyond Khan and Aslam, affecting other Pakistani celebrities such as Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, and Sajal Aly. These artists, who have garnered substantial followings in India, now find their Instagram profiles inaccessible to Indian audiences. The Daily Guardian
Expansion to YouTube Channels
The crackdown isn’t limited to Instagram. Reports indicate that India has also banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, accusing them of disseminating provocative content and false narratives targeting India and its security forces. The Daily Guardian
Historical Context of Cultural Restrictions
This development is part of a broader pattern of cultural disengagement between India and Pakistan. Following the 2016 Uri attack, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) banned Pakistani artists from working in India. Despite a 2023 Bombay High Court ruling deeming such bans as regressive to cultural harmony, practical barriers persist. Wikipedia+1The Express Tribune+1Wikipedia+11The Express Tribune+11Dawn Images+11
Fan Reactions and Future Prospects
The restrictions have disappointed many Indian fans who admire these artists. Social media platforms are abuzz with expressions of nostalgia and hope for renewed cultural exchanges. However, the current political climate suggests that the reinstatement of Pakistani artists in Indian media remains uncertain. Dawn Images+2The Express Tribune+2Dawn Images+2
As geopolitical dynamics continue to influence cultural interactions, the future of cross-border artistic collaborations hangs in the balance, leaving fans on both sides yearning for a return to shared artistic experiences.
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