India has reversed its earlier decision to block certain Pakistani social media accounts and YouTube channels imposed after the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian users can now access the Instagram accounts of celebrities like Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi, Ahad Raza Mir, and Danish Taimur, while accounts of Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Hania Aamir remain blocked. Popular YouTube channels such as Hum TV, ARY Digital, Har Pal Jio, and those of former cricketers Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, and Rashid Latif are also accessible again.
Earlier in May, India had blocked at least 16 Pakistani YouTube channels citing national security under the Information Technology Act, 2021. The reversal has sparked backlash, with the All Indian Cine Workers Association writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, arguing that lifting the ban disrespects martyrs and the sentiments of families affected by terrorism.
