In a recent move, popular Pakistani stars Fawad Khan and Atif Aslam have had their Instagram accounts restricted for users in India. This action comes in the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam area last month.
Why Were Their Accounts Blocked?
When Indian users try to access Fawad Khan or Atif Aslam’s Instagram profiles, they see a message that reads: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
This suggests that Indian authorities officially requested Instagram to limit access to these profiles, and Instagram followed that request.
Atif Aslam and Other Celebrities Affected Too
Fawad Khan and Atif Aslam aren’t the only ones affected. Other well-known Pakistani celebrities like Mahira Khan, Hania Amir, and Ali Zafar have also seen their Instagram accounts blocked for Indian users in recent days.
Tensions Rise After Terror Attack in Pahalgam
The reason behind these social media restrictions can be traced back to the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. In that attack, 25 people lost their lives — 24 of them were Indian tourists, one was a Nepali citizen, and a local Kashmiri man was also killed. Sadly, an officer from the Indian Navy and an Intelligence Bureau personnel were among the victims.
This was the deadliest attack in Kashmir since the Pulwama terror attack in 2019. A terror group known as “The Resistance Front” — believed to be linked to the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba — claimed responsibility for the attack.
Impact on Bollywood Careers
Fawad Khan made a successful debut in Bollywood in 2014 with the movie Khoobsurat, starring opposite Sonam Kapoor. He later appeared in hits like Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. His latest movie, Abir Gulaal, is now reportedly facing delays due to the current situation.
Atif Aslam is known for many hit Bollywood songs like Tu Jaane Na, Tera Hone Laga Hoon, and Pehli Nazar Mein. Over the years, he has won several awards and received nominations for the prestigious Filmfare Awards.
India Responds with Strong Measures
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India took several strong steps against Pakistan. These include:
- Downgrading diplomatic ties
- Suspending visa services for Pakistani citizens
- Halting the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960
Pakistan Reacts
Pakistan, in turn, announced its own set of countermeasures. The government in Islamabad warned that if India diverts water that was agreed upon in the treaty, it would consider it an “act of war.”
The blocking of Instagram accounts of Pakistani stars like Fawad Khan and Atif Aslam highlights the growing tension between India and Pakistan. As both countries take strict actions in response to the terror attack, the political strain is now spilling over into the world of entertainment and social media.
