Why Are All Pakistani Handles on X Blocked in India?

New Delhi, July 3 (NationPress) All Pakistani accounts on X have been blocked in India after a brief period of accessibility, confirmed official sources on Thursday.

This action continues India's growing digital and diplomatic restrictions against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where 26 tourists lost their lives due to terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba's proxy, The Resistance Front.

In retaliation to the attack, India undertook several measures, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and the initiation of Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror launch pads within Pakistan.

Part of these measures included a comprehensive crackdown on Pakistani media and social media content — affecting accounts of actors, cricketers, and influencers across platforms like X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Despite some accounts recently regaining access, which sparked criticism about their status, they have now been re-blocked.

When Indian users attempt to access these accounts, they encounter a message stating: "Account Withheld. (Name of the account) has been withheld in India due to a legal request."

On Wednesday, users had temporary access to X and Instagram accounts of various Pakistani actors and personalities, including Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor, as well as YouTube channels of former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar.

However, the accounts of Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Hania Aamir remained blocked throughout the duration.

Moreover, the ban on YouTube also persists, according to sources.

In May, the Indian government released an advisory instructing all OTT platforms and digital intermediaries to halt content from Pakistan.

This advisory, dated May 8, 2025, under the IT Rules, 2021, mandated that "content hosted or streamed must not threaten India's sovereignty, integrity, national security, or public order."

It specifically required media platforms to eliminate "web-series, films, songs, podcasts, and other streaming content" produced in Pakistan, regardless of whether they are subscription-based or free.

Following the brief revival of access to select Pakistani accounts, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) urged Prime Minister Modi to enforce a total blackout on all Pakistani social media channels in India.

The association described the presence of such accounts as an "insult to the sacrifices of our martyred soldiers" and an "emotional assault" on Indians who have suffered losses due to terror attacks initiated by Pakistan.

Referencing significant terror incidents like 26/11, Pulwama, Uri, and the recent Pahalgam attack, AICWA labeled Pakistan a "terrorist nation" and condemned Pakistani artists who, they argue, have "shamelessly criticized India instead of expressing remorse."

In their appeal, AICWA proposed three main demands: a complete digital blackout of all Pakistani accounts and media channels in India; a prohibition on all future collaborations or promotions involving Pakistani nationals; and a lasting cultural disconnection from Pakistan as a tribute to the Indian Armed Forces and the families of martyrs.