ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI – May 1, 2025:
Hania Amir Instagram Banned in India, restricting access for users inside the country. This move adds to the growing number of Pakistani celebrities targeted amid escalating political tensions.
Many Indian users reported they could no longer find Amir’s profile. Instead, they saw a “User Not Found” message. The ban comes just days after a deadly attack in Kashmir, which worsened already strained relations between India and Pakistan.
Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar Also Affected
India also blocked the Instagram profiles of Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar, both major figures in the Pakistani entertainment industry. The Indian government has not released an official statement. However, the bans seem linked to current political unrest.
Tensions surged after the Pahalgam terror attack killed 26 Indian soldiers. India blames Pakistan-based militants for the attack and has responded with harsh political measures. These include reducing diplomatic engagement and targeting Pakistani influence in media.
Hania Amir Speaks Out
Hania Amir criticized the decision through other platforms. She urged leaders to focus on militants, not artists. “We’re here to connect people through stories, not divide them,” she said.
A Shift from Earlier Progress
Just months ago, the Bombay High Court lifted a ban on Pakistani actors working in India. That decision allowed stars like Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan to return to Bollywood.
Now, social media restrictions are reversing that progress. Instead of building cultural ties, both countries appear to be retreating behind digital walls.
Censorship Raises Concerns
Critics warn that these actions hurt cultural exchange. Social media once offered neutral ground where artists and fans could interact freely. That space is shrinking as political forces take control.
By targeting celebrities online, both governments risk deepening divides between their people.
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