Pakistani Celebs Blocked on Instagram Again, But Are Their Serials Still Streaming on YouTube in India? Here's the update
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Tensions between India and Pakistan have once again spilled into the digital world. On Thursday, Indian users noticed that Instagram accounts of several prominent Pakistani celebrities were no longer accessible. Platforms displayed the message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
However, even as social media access was cut off, popular Pakistani TV serials on YouTube channels like Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo were still streaming for Indian viewers. For how long? That remains unclear, as public pressure mounts for a total digital and cultural ban.
A Brief Return That Didn’t Last
Earlier this week, accounts of Pakistani celebrities including Yumna Zaidi, Mawra Hocane, Ahad Raza Mir, and Saba Qamar briefly reappeared on Instagram in India. YouTube channels associated with former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar also became visible, along with entertainment networks.
But the visibility was short-lived. By Thursday morning, the accounts were once again blocked, reigniting debate over whether content from Pakistan should be accessible at all.
AICWA Calls for Complete Ban
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has renewed its call for a blanket ban on all Pakistani entertainment content in India. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the association urged a complete halt on Pakistani involvement across all platforms - be it social media, OTT, ads, or media tie-ups.
Labeling the brief reappearance of Pakistani stars as “an emotional assault”, AICWA cited past terror attacks like 26/11, Pulwama, and Uri, as well as the tragic recent Pahalgam massacre in which 26 civilians were killed. They also criticised Pakistani artists for their silence or controversial remarks after Operation Sindoor.
What’s Next?
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding a potential block on Pakistani serials streaming on YouTube. But with rising public sentiment and political pressure, their continued availability in India remains uncertain.
However, even as social media access was cut off, popular Pakistani TV serials on YouTube channels like Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo were still streaming for Indian viewers. For how long? That remains unclear, as public pressure mounts for a total digital and cultural ban.
A Brief Return That Didn’t Last
Earlier this week, accounts of Pakistani celebrities including Yumna Zaidi, Mawra Hocane, Ahad Raza Mir, and Saba Qamar briefly reappeared on Instagram in India. YouTube channels associated with former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar also became visible, along with entertainment networks.
But the visibility was short-lived. By Thursday morning, the accounts were once again blocked, reigniting debate over whether content from Pakistan should be accessible at all.
AICWA Calls for Complete Ban
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has renewed its call for a blanket ban on all Pakistani entertainment content in India. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the association urged a complete halt on Pakistani involvement across all platforms - be it social media, OTT, ads, or media tie-ups.
Labeling the brief reappearance of Pakistani stars as “an emotional assault”, AICWA cited past terror attacks like 26/11, Pulwama, and Uri, as well as the tragic recent Pahalgam massacre in which 26 civilians were killed. They also criticised Pakistani artists for their silence or controversial remarks after Operation Sindoor.
What’s Next?
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding a potential block on Pakistani serials streaming on YouTube. But with rising public sentiment and political pressure, their continued availability in India remains uncertain.
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