Social Media Accounts Of Many Pak Actors, Cricketers Banned Again
The social media accounts of several Pakistani actors and cricketers have been banned once again, briefly after they were made accessible in India. On Wednesday, the Instagram accounts of actors Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor were made visible and the YouTube channels of Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar were also made accessible.
However, the accounts of other Pakistani actors, such as Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Hania Aamir, remained inaccessible from India even yesterday. Upon searching for their accounts, users get a message: "Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content."
Earlier in May, the government directed all Over-the-Top, or OTT platforms, media streaming services and digital intermediaries to discontinue web series, films, songs, podcasts and other media content originating from Pakistan.
The advisory, dated May 8, 2025, issued under Part II of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, reminded publishers and intermediaries of their obligation to "ensure that content hosted or streamed does not threaten India's sovereignty, integrity, national security, or public order."
"OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect," the advisory read.
Several YouTube channels hosting celebrated Pakistani shows were banned. However, after almost two months, entertainment channels like Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo are available for streaming in India as of filing this story.
YouTube channels of cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar are also accesible currently.
AIWCA Seeks Immediate And Permanent Ban On Pakistani Artists' Digital Presence
On Wednesday, after several Pakistani accounts were made visible, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) made an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a complete ban on the "social media presence and media channels of all Pakistani nationals, artists, influencers, and entertainment entities in India."
Commenting on the visibility of several Pakistani accounts in India, AICWA said it is an "insult to the sacrifice of our martyred soldiers and an emotional assault on every Indian who lost a loved one in terror attacks perpetrated by Pakistan."
Referring to terror attacks, including 26/11, Pulwama, Uri, and Pahalgam, the cine body held Pakistan responsible for continued cross-border terrorism and called it a "terrorist nation".
AICWA also noted that "instead of showing remorse, several Pakistani artists have shamelessly spoken against India."
AICWA made three demands:
An immediate nationwide digital blackout of all Pakistani social media accounts and media channels.
Ban on all future collaborations or promotions involving Pakistani citizens in Indian media, OTT platforms, and advertising.
A permanent cultural disconnect from Pakistan, as a mark of respect to the Indian Armed Forces and the families of martyrs.
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 2nd July 2025
From: All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA)
Subject: Urgent Appeal to Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji Regarding the Reappearance of Pakistani Artists' Social Media & Channels in India – AICWA Demands Immediate and… pic.twitter.com/YQf0d6wZRz
— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) July 2, 2025
What Preceded The Ban
On April 22, twenty-five tourists - 24 Indians and one Nepali citizen - and a local man were killed in the terror attack at Baisaran in Pahalgam. It was the deadliest strike in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack. The Resistance Front, a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, claimed responsibility.
Following the attack, India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced a series of restrictions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.
In retaliation, India also launched Operation Sindoor, and carried out a precision strike on nine terror bases in Pakistan.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
TV couple Sameera Sherief and Syed Anwar blessed with a baby boy
Television's much-adored couple, Sameera Sherief and Syed Anwar, have embraced parenthood once again, as they were blessed with a baby boy. The couple, who tied the knot in a traditional Tamil ceremony in November 2019, shared the joyous news with their fans and followers on social media. Sameera took to Instagram and wrote. " Introducing to the world our little bundle of joy, Syed Aamir This journey has been far from a cakewalk. We've been through many highs and lows during my pregnancy, and yet, Aamir held on tight the entire time. He gave me strength when I was low, hope when I was unsure… and when the time came for him to meet the world, it was my turn to support him. We didn't give up. We faced it all together, as a team. Alhamdulillah, after a long and intense labour, we welcomed our baby through a safe, natural birth. A story that deserves to be told. A journey that's etched in our hearts forever. Aamir, you are truly a blessing to our entire family. We love you beyond words… and your Heera Bhaiya is overjoyed! He's been counting the days to hold your tiny hand and play by your side. Our whole family is proud of you, little one, for the strength, the fight, and the love you've brought with you. ' Here's the Video: Sameera and Syed rose to fame as an on-screen pair in the hit Tamil television series Pagal Nilavu, where their chemistry won the hearts of audiences. Their reel romance soon blossomed into a real-life love story, culminating in their marriage and now, a beautiful family of four. Fans and fellow celebrities have flooded their social media with congratulatory messages and blessings for the newborn.
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
From mass communication to mass influence: How Uorfi Javed's education fuelled her rise among India's youth
How Uorfi Javed's education fueled her rise among India's youth From a media student in Lucknow to the winner of the Indian edition of The Traitors , Uorfi Javed has built a career that defies convention. Known for her daring fashion choices and viral DIY outfits, she recently took audiences by surprise by outsmarting fellow contestants and emerging victorious in the high-stakes reality show. Her win marked a new phase in her public image—one that showcased strategy, emotional intelligence, and resilience. But long before the spotlight, Uorfi was a student of mass communication, quietly building the tools she would later use to shape her own narrative. Her journey is a reminder that education can be a powerful launchpad—even for careers that break all traditional moulds. Rooted in Lucknow, raised by resilience Uorfi Javed was born on 15 October 1994 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. She attended City Montessori School, one of the city's best-known private institutions. While her education offered structure, her home life was marked by instability. She has spoken openly about the abuse she and her siblings faced from their father, which eventually led her and her sisters to leave home and move to Delhi. This early phase of struggle shaped her self-reliance and drive to create her own path. How mass communication shaped Uorfi's voice After school, Uorfi enrolled at Amity University, Lucknow, to study mass communication. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The subject gave her a foundation in media, communication theory, and public engagement. Unlike many of her peers who pursued journalism or advertising, Uorfi used her academic grounding to understand the power of visibility. Her education became a quiet but effective tool, helping her manage the media narrative around her—even when controversy surrounded her fashion choices. From fashion intern to internet sensation While in Delhi, Uorfi interned briefly at a fashion designer's studio, which sparked her interest in style as self-expression. Her national breakthrough came during her stint on Bigg Boss OTT , where she wore a garbage bag dress that went viral. It was the first of many such fashion statements—outfits made from flowers, pins, chains, and watches—that grabbed attention and polarised public opinion. Her work may appear provocative, but it reflects careful thought, timing, and a keen awareness of visual storytelling. From social media to mainstream recognition With over five million followers on Instagram and more than 200,000 on X, Uorfi has become one of India's most-followed and searched public figures. In 2022, she ranked ahead of several Bollywood celebrities in Google's list of most-searched Asians. In 2025, GQ India named her one of the '35 Most Influential Young Indians,' recognising her ability to challenge norms and set her own agenda in a crowded media landscape. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Joe Burrow goes viral after fans spot him walking alone in Beverly Hills looking ‘extremely sad'
Hendrickson's contract standoff puts pressure on Burrow and Bengals (Image via: Getty Images) NFL fans are used to seeing Joe Burrow light up stadiums with his calm swagger and ice-cold confidence. But this time, the Bengals quarterback is going viral for something a little more human. A new video of Burrow strolling through Beverly Hills, no shades, no smile, no crew has fans spiraling with concern, jokes, and some classic overthinking. Did he just get bad news? Is he reflecting on the Bengals' season? Or was it just a quiet moment caught in the wrong light? Joe Burrow looked downcast walking alone in Beverly Hills, and fans are genuinely concerned The moment blew up online when a fan posted a clip with the words 'I can't tell if i just spotted Joe Burrow walking in Bevrely Hills' In the short video, Burrow can be seen casually walking down the street with his head lowered and hands in his pockets. No entourage, no smile, just vibes. Other NFL pages like MLFootball and WhistleSports reposted it, and the internet instantly latched onto the melancholy energy. While nothing dramatic happens in the video, the way Burrow quietly moved through the LA streets had fans raising eyebrows and asking, 'Is he okay?' Fans flooded social media with reactions, theories, and a whole lot of memes As expected, NFL Twitter did its thing. Some fans reacted with sincere worry: A username E.D.N commented, 'Bro hasn't played football since early January because his team sucks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 새로 나온 '실비보험' 최적가 가입추천! "주요 보험사별 맞춤견적+가성비 굿"... 굿리치 [등록번호:제2006038313호] 가입하기 Undo Give him some time.' Another user commented, 'That's that break up walk I know it to well' Fans worry as Joe Burrow looks downcast while walking solo in Los Angeles. X Basically, fans turned a 15-second clip into a whole narrative. Because when you're a QB as beloved (and good-looking) as Burrow, even your casual strolls become content. Interestingly, the viral walk comes not long after a separate video showed Burrow being harassed by a Cleveland Browns fan yelling 'The Browns own you!' while he stayed cool and kept walking. Some think this might've added to his off-day vibes, though it's unclear if the two clips were even taken the same day. There's no sign that anything major is going on. No reports of injuries. No cryptic posts. Just two very public moments that fans are connecting into a larger emotional saga because that's the internet. Despite the internet spiraling, there's been no official word from Burrow or the Bengals. No cryptic Instagram stories. No tweet threads. Just a man taking a walk and maybe thinking a little deeper than usual. Also read - Bryan Braman in critical condition as JJ Watt donates $10K amid rare cancer battle For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
