Is India's Pakistan policy inconsistent? Democratic Newsroom debates
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India.com
38 minutes ago
- India.com
Fact Check: Were Pakistani Cricketers' Social Media Accounts Really Unblocked In India? Here's The Truth
On July 2, Indian netizens were stunned to find the once-blocked Instagram accounts of prominent Pakistani celebrities — including actors Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi, Danish Taimoor, and former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar — briefly accessible. The unexpected visibility sparked widespread confusion and debate, especially in light of India's recent digital crackdown following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. However, within hours, access was revoked. NDTV reported that the temporary restoration was due to "technical reasons." As of now, there has been no official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs or the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology regarding a policy change or backend issue. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) swiftly issued an urgent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding an 'immediate and irreversible digital blackout' of all Pakistani entertainers and influencers on Indian platforms. In its statement, AICWA expressed outrage over the brief reinstatement of access to Pakistani accounts, calling it an 'emotional assault on the families of our martyred soldiers.' The letter referenced multiple terror incidents — from the 2008 Mumbai attacks to Pulwama and the recent Pahalgam tragedy — to underline the sentiment. The body made three key demands: A complete ban on Pakistani digital content and media in India. A prohibition on any future collaboration with Pakistani artists or influencers. A long-term cultural disengagement, citing national sentiment and security concerns. Why Were These Accounts Blocked in the First Place? Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people — including 24 Indian tourists — the Indian government took aggressive diplomatic and digital measures. Blaming Pakistan-backed terror groups like The Resistance Front, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across the border. In the digital realm, over 16 Pakistan-linked YouTube channels and dozens of social media profiles were geo-blocked for Indian audiences. This included not only celebrities but also media outlets like Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo. The action was taken under the IT Rules, 2021, citing national security risks and public order disruptions. Which Accounts Remained Blocked Despite the Glitch? While some Instagram and YouTube profiles became momentarily accessible, top names like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and channels associated with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and cricketers Shaheen Afridi and Shoaib Malik remained blocked throughout. Indian users trying to view these profiles received a message that read: 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.' This further confirms that the unblocking was not a blanket reversal but a likely technical slip affecting a select few profiles temporarily. Tensions Still Simmer: No Official Reversal in Sight With diplomatic tensions still high following the four-day cross-border skirmishes post-Pahalgam, it is unlikely that India will relax its digital stance any time soon. The fact that no formal statement was issued from either Pakistan or India about the account visibility supports the theory that it was unintentional. Moreover, India's May 8 advisory to OTT and streaming platforms still stands. It mandates immediate takedown of any Pakistan-origin content, including web series, music videos, or interviews, reinforcing the government's strict approach to cross-border digital influence.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Nationalism card at play, parties follow BJP lead in backing Diljit Dosanjh
Jalandhar: After BJP leaders openly backed Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh , under fire for his film "Sardar Ji 3" starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, leaders of other parties from Punjab have also voiced support for him. Initially, leaders from parties other than the BJP appeared hesitant to publicly support Dosanjh, arguably Punjab's most prominent singer since Sidhu Moose Wala, as the "nationalism card", especially the Pakistan angle post-Pahalgam terror attack, was played against him. BJP national spokesperson R P Singh was the first to defend Dosanjh, posting his support late at night on May 27. Singh, who described Dosanjh as "a national asset and a global ambassador of Indian culture", received both praise and criticism for his stance. On June 28, Punjab BJP leader and prominent Punjabi film actor Hobby Dhaliwal held a press conference at the Punjab BJP state office to express solidarity with him. On Wednesday, former BJP MP Hans Raj Hans, an accomplished and prominent Punjabi singer, also expressed solidarity with Diljit. After BJP took the lead, Punjab Congress and AAP leaders also spoke up in his support. Leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, MLAs Sukhpal Singh Khaira, and MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa expressed solidarity with Dosanjh on their social media accounts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is your tinnitus getting worse? Do this immediately (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo Randhawa on Thursday said that he was being targeted due to his Sikh and Punjabi identity. Among AAP leaders, Sonia Mann was an early supporter, speaking up around the same time as BJP leaders. Then Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Punjab speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan were the prominent leaders who spoke up. Shiromani Akali Dal discussed the issue in the party's core committee meeting on June 30 and expressed solidarity with the singer. The party held that Dosanjh was being unfairly targeted and called for an end to the "politics of hate". MSID:: 122231938 413 |
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Social media a/cs of Pakistani celebs stay blocked
Representative image NEW DELHI: The social media accounts of several Pakistani actors and cricketers remain blocked after it was reported that certain celeb accounts were now accessible to Indian users. On Wednesday, Instagram accounts of certain Pakistan actors, including Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor, briefly appeared to be accessible to the Indian audience. This sparked outrage. However, as of Thursday morning these accounts continue to be withheld in country. Upon searching for their accounts, users can see a message: "Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content." However, YouTube channels of Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar and entertainment channels like Green TV are still available for viewing in India. However, prominent Pakistani actors, such as Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Hania Aamir, are still not accessible to Indian users on Instagram, as their accounts remain blocked. India had banned social media of several Pakistani actors and cricketers after they reportedly spewed anti-India content after Operation Sindoor , which was launched on May 7 in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Earlier in April, India had announced a ban on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative and communally sensitive content and misinformation against India, its Army and security agencies in the backdrop of Pahalgam attack. The significant action followed recommendations of ministry of home affairs (MHA). These channels were found to be disseminating false and unverified information related to India's national security, foreign relations, and public order.
