Pakistan Minister's Account Blocked Following Contentious Remark About Potential Indian Strike in Pahalgam
Firing Back on Social Media: India's Crackdown on Pakistani Celebs and Politicians
After the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of 26 innocent souls, India has severed ties with Pakistan on multiple fronts, including social media. In the latest war of words, Indian authorities have blocked various Pakistani celebrities, politicians, and YouTube channels. Here's the lowdown on the digital fallout.
YouTube's Block Party
India has pulled the plug on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including popular news outlets like Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News. These channels were accused of propagating provocative content, misinformation, and false narratives against India [5]. The move follows India's decision to ban the YouTube accounts of several notable Pakistani cricketers, including Shahid Afridi, after the terror attack.
Instagram's Red Card
India's digital dragnet snared several Pakistani celebrities on Instagram. Singers Atif Aslam, Babar Azam, and actor Fawad Khan are among those who have had their accounts blocked [1][3]. The list also includes Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Momina Mustehsan, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, and Sajal Aly [1][3]. This clampdown comes after the previous banning of Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan's accounts [3].
The Blocked Minster
Adding fuel to the fire, Indian authorities blocked the X account of Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar. This move followed Tarar's controversial comments suggesting an imminent Indian military strike on Pakistan [4]. The Minister had claimed to possess "credible intelligence" about such a threat [4].
Amidst the escalating tensions, India announced diplomatic measures such as downgrading ties with Pakistan and suspending the Indus Water Treaty. Pakistan, however, denies any involvement in the Pahalgam attack [1].
References:
- India downgrades ties with Pakistan, suspends Indus Water Treaty
- Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's YouTube channel banned in India
- India blocks YouTube handles of several Pakistani cricketers
- Pakistan minister Attaullah Tarar's X account blocked in India as part of crackdown
- India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative content
- Following the controversial remarks by Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar suggesting an imminent Indian military strike on Pakistan, Indian authorities have withheld access to Tarar's X account.
- Amidst the ongoing political tensions and war-and-conflicts, India has not only blocked several Pakistani YouTube channels, including mainstream news outlets like Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News, but also numerous Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebrities, such as Atif Aslam, Babar Azam, Fawad Khan, and others.
- In response to misinformation and false narratives being spread, India has warned numerous Pakistani celebrities and politicians on social media about their content and has consequently withheld access to their accounts.
- Delhi's decision to sever ties with Pakistan on multiple fronts, including social media, indicates a significant escalation in political news and tension between the two countries, with terrorism continuing to remain a focal point.
