Indo-Pak Tensions Escalate: Formcr Pak PM Imran Khan, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto's Accounts Blocked in India
Indian authorities have impeded access to X accounts connected to Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto due to strained relations in Pahalgam.
Amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the X accounts of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have been blocked in India. The move is a digital extension of India's broader strategy to restrict Pakistani social media presence in response to a legal demand [1][2][3][4][5].
This action follows a series of digital crackdowns by India, including the blocking of Ataullah Tarar's Twitter (now X) account, the X accounts of several Pakistani celebrities like Hania Amir, Mahira Khan, and Ali Zafar, and the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels due to the spread of provocative, misleading, and communally sensitive content [3][5].
India holds Pakistan responsible for the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. Pakistan denies these allegations [3][4][5]. This digital crackdown is part of India's efforts to curb hostile propaganda and misinformation in the wake of the attack, linking it to Pakistan-based terrorist groups.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story.
[1] Murthy, A. (2025). India blocks accounts of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan, others amid worsening ties. Al Jazeera.[2] Chaudhary, R. (2025). India blocks accounts of Pakistani politicians, celebrities amid rising tension. The Washington Post.[3] Kumar, S. (2025). India tightens screws on Pakistan, blocks Twitter, YouTube channels. The Hindu.[4] IANS (2025). India-Pakistan ties hit new low after Pahalgam attack. The Times of India.[5] Press Trust of India (2025). India-Pakistan tensions escalate as New Delhi blocks social media accounts. Hindustan Times.
- The government of India has extended its strategy to restrict Pakistani social media presence, blocking the accounts of not only former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, but also several Pakistani celebrities, as well as 16 Pakistani YouTube channels.
- Beyond the digital sphere, it is crucial to note that India and Pakistan, notably due to the Pahalgam terror attack, are witnessing worsening relations that are also featuring in the realm of general news and crime-and-justice.
- The blockage of these accounts comes as a response to legal demands, symbolizing a broader effort by the Indian government to curb hostile propaganda and misinformation, particularly pertaining to war-and-conflicts and politics.
- In parallel with these digital crackdowns, diplomatic disputes persist between the two countries, with ongoing disagreements about the Pahlgam attack, where 26 lives were lost, with Pakistan denying India's allegations of involvement.
