Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 3: All Pakistani accounts on X, which had briefly resurfaced in India in recent days, have once again been blocked, official sources confirmed on Thursday. The reimposition of the digital barrier is part of India’s broader response following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists lost their lives in an assault linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy outfit, The Resistance Front.
India’s reaction to the attack has included several retaliatory measures, ranging from diplomatic decisions like suspending the Indus Water Treaty to military actions under Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror launch pads across the border. A parallel offensive has been underway in the digital sphere, where authorities have systematically removed Pakistani media content and restricted access to influencers, celebrities, and former cricketers on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and X.
Though many of these accounts briefly became accessible again, sparking questions and criticism, they have now been re-blocked. Users attempting to view these profiles are met with a notification stating that the account has been withheld in India due to a legal demand. On Wednesday, users were able to momentarily access profiles of several prominent Pakistani figures, including actors Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, Danish Taimoor, and YouTube channels run by former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar. However, others like Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Hania Aamir remained blocked throughout.
In addition to social media bans, YouTube continues to remain inaccessible for Pakistani content creators. The Indian government had earlier issued a strict advisory to OTT platforms and digital intermediaries, dated May 8, 2025, under the IT Rules, 2021, directing them to remove any content originating from Pakistan. This included web series, films, songs, and other digital media, with the warning that content must not compromise India’s sovereignty or national security.
Following the temporary reappearance of some accounts, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) submitted an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a complete blackout of all Pakistani digital presence in India. The association condemned the brief visibility of such profiles as an affront to the memory of India’s martyred soldiers and an emotional blow to families affected by terror attacks. Citing incidents like 26/11, Pulwama, Uri, and Pahalgam, AICWA declared Pakistan a terrorist state and criticized Pakistani celebrities for showing no remorse.
AICWA’s demands include three key points: a total digital blackout of Pakistani media and personalities in India, a complete halt to future collaborations involving Pakistani nationals, and a permanent cultural separation as a tribute to the Indian Armed Forces and victims of terrorism.