Mawra, Saba, others’ Instagram accessible in India
Mawra, Saba, others’ Instagram accessible in India
While the Instagram accounts of Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, and three other Pakistani artistes have now become visible to users in India, many other prominent Pakistani celebrities still remain inaccessible on the platform for Indian netizens. Despite this partial restoration, the accounts of stars like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and singer Atif Aslam continue to be marked as “unavailable” when viewed from Indian IP addresses. This selective visibility has left fans wondering about the reasons behind the discrepancy and whether it points to a broader content restriction issue or an individual settings-based limitation.
Previously, several users had reported that Instagram profiles of many Pakistani celebrities were inaccessible in India, prompting speculation that Meta may have enforced regional content restrictions or been responding to government directives. While no official clarification has been issued by Instagram or the celebrities involved, the recent reappearance of a few profiles gives fans hope that the issue may be resolved gradually.
Instagram Accounts of Pakistani Celebrities Partially Accessible in India Amid Ongoing Tensions
Mumbai: In a surprising development amidst ongoing digital and diplomatic tensions, several Pakistani actors’ Instagram accounts have become accessible once again to users in India. IP addresses, after being previously blocked.
This change has sparked both curiosity and hope among Indian fans, especially those who follow Pakistani dramas and films. However, the unblocking appears to be selective. Instagram accounts belonging to other prominent Pakistani figures—including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Atif Aslam—remain “unavailable” in India as of now, prompting speculation regarding the criteria behind these digital restrictions.
Social Media Visibility and Geopolitical Tensions
The temporary inaccessibility of these accounts can be traced back to a sharp deterioration in Indo-Pak relations following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of at least 26 civilians, many of them Hindu tourists. The attack, which took place in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, was later claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF)—an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Indian authorities and platforms reportedly took steps to restrict or limit access to Pakistani content and creators on social media. While no official announcement was made by Meta, Instagram’s parent company, multiple Pakistani celebrities saw their accounts blocked from view in India. The restrictions drew mixed reactions, with some users supporting the move as a form of digital protest, while others called it counterproductive in the realm of art and culture.
Backlash Against Cross-Border Collaborations
The consequences of rising cross-border tensions are not limited to digital platforms. Recently, Diljit Dosanjh, the acclaimed Punjabi actor and singer, came under fire for his work in Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role. The backlash led to the film not being released in India, despite having a strong fan base for both lead actors.
Many Indian netizens questioned the decision to cast a Pakistani actress at a time when emotions are running high due to the loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam. Hashtags calling for a boycott of the film trended on social media, even before the film had a chance to premiere in Indian cinemas.
Harshvardhan Rane Refuses Sequel Over Political Sensitivities
Indian actor Harshvardhan Rane, who starred in the original Sanam Teri Kasam (2016) alongside Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane, issued a strong statement regarding his participation in the rumored sequel of the romantic drama.
Taking to his official Instagram account, Rane clarified that he had decided to decline any involvement in ‘Sanam Teri Kasam 2’ if the producers chose to retain the original cast.
His statement was interpreted as a direct reference to the cross-border backlash and the current socio-political climate. While some applauded his stance, others criticized the mixing of art with politics, arguing that cultural bridges should remain open even in turbulent times.
What Lies Ahead?
The selective restoration of Instagram profiles has led to speculation that either the platform is gradually reversing its content restrictions or that individual artistes are adjusting their visibility settings to cater to their Indian fan base. However, without an official explanation from Instagram or Meta, the situation remains murky.
The ongoing tensions have clearly affected not only diplomatic relations but also people-to-people interactions, especially in the realm of arts and entertainment. As both nations continue to navigate a complex political and emotional landscape, the question remains: will the digital divide between Indian and Pakistani artistes continue to widen, or can common cultural ground help bridge the gap?
For now, Indian fans of Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, and others can breathe a sigh of relief. But for those following stars like Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, access remains restricted—mirroring the broader strain between the two neighboring countries.
