Pakistan Celebrity Banned India: India Quietly Reverses Ban on Pakistani Channels and Celebrity Social Media Accounts Imposed During Operation Sindoor

Indian users can once again access several Pakistani news channels and celebrity social media accounts, indicating that digital restrictions imposed during Operation Sindoor have been lifted. The move has not been officially announced by the Indian government but has become evident as content gradually becomes available to the public.

Shahid Afridi YouTube Channel is back online. Shoaib Akhtar as well. Several other Pakistani YouTube channels back online in India. Why this joke with the people of India?

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) July 2, 2025

What’s Back Online

Major Pakistani news outlets such as Dawn News, ARY News, Geo News, Hum TV, and Samaa TV are now accessible in India.

Instagram and YouTube accounts of Pakistani actors including Saba Qamar, Mawra Hocane, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, Danish Taimoor, Shahid Afridi, and Hania Aamir are visible once again to Indian audiences.

However, access to the accounts of Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Wahaj Ali remains restricted.

Background

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists, India launched Operation Sindoor in May. The military operation targeted multiple terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Alongside military action, the Indian government had invoked Section 69A of the IT Act to block 16 Pakistani YouTube news channels and several social media accounts belonging to Pakistani public figures. The stated reason for the ban was the spread of provocative and communal content, as well as misinformation aimed at disturbing public order.

Reactions

The reappearance of Pakistani channels and celebrity accounts has been met with positive reactions from Indian users, especially fans of cross-border television content and cultural collaborations. Shows and content from Pakistan that were widely followed before the ban have resumed gaining traction.

At the same time, the lack of any formal government communication regarding the reversal of the ban has raised questions. Analysts believe this silent digital détente could be part of a larger de-escalation strategy following a temporary ceasefire agreement between the two countries in mid-May.

What Lies Ahead

While a partial rollback appears to be in motion, the continued restrictions on certain accounts suggest a selective approach. The absence of any official list detailing which accounts have been unblocked and which remain under ban adds to the uncertainty.

Observers are now watching closely to see if this digital thaw leads to broader diplomatic engagement, or whether it remains a limited, unofficial move to ease cultural restrictions.