India Lifts Ban on Pakistani News Websites and Celebrity Accounts Imposed During Operation Sindoor

New Delhi: Several Pakistani news websites and celebrity social media accounts that were banned in India during Operation Sindoor have quietly reappeared, hinting that the digital restrictions may have been lifted. The platforms were blocked earlier as part of India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

India Lifts Ban on Pakistani News Websites   

Among those now accessible are the Instagram accounts of Pakistani actors Saba Qamar, Mawra Hocane, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor.

The accounts had been restricted in India following remarks and posts seen as offensive in the wake of the April 22 attack. These handles began reappearing for Indian users starting Wednesday. 

In addition to social media profiles, several previously restricted Pakistani media outlets have returned online. Websites and YouTube channels of Geo News English, Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo are now available for streaming in India once again.

What Led to the Online Restrictions?

The bans were imposed just days after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, where 22 civilians were killed. As part of its counter-response under Operation Sindoor, the Indian government took action against digital platforms accused of spreading misinformation, anti-India narratives, and communally provocative content.

A total of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including those of Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News, were blocked from operating within India.

Additionally, the Instagram accounts of multiple Pakistani celebrities were also restricted following what officials described as "disgraceful and insensitive remarks" made after the terror attack.

In response, many Indian users resorted to VPN services to continue accessing content from these personalities.

Despite the reappearance of several platforms, a number of high-profile Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Hania Aamir, remain banned in India. Ironically, Hania Aamir is currently trending in Indian entertainment news due to her role in the upcoming Diljit Dosanjh-starrer 'Sardaar Ji 3', further fueling public curiosity over the selective rollback.

No Official Confirmation on Ban Withdrawal

While the sudden reappearance of Pakistani news platforms and celebrity social media accounts suggests that digital restrictions imposed during Operation Sindoor may have been rolled back, the government has yet to make any official announcement confirming this move. 

The platforms, which were blocked in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, were inaccessible for several days as part of what was seen as a digital retaliation and security measure. Their return has triggered speculation about a quiet policy shift or the end of temporary enforcement orders. 

However, in the absence of a formal notification or public statement from the officials, the current status of the ban remains ambiguous.

Internet Erupts in Outrage Over Lifting of Ban on Pakistani Platforms

The quiet reappearance of previously banned Pakistani news channels and celebrity social media accounts has triggered massive outrage on the internet, with many Indian users questioning the government's silence and timing. 

Hashtags like #BanLiftedWhy, #JusticeForPahalgamVictims, and #NoSoftStand began trending shortly after the accounts resurfaced.

Several users took to X to express their anger, accusing the authorities of being insensitive to the sacrifice of the 22 civilians killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Critics argue that lifting the ban without a public explanation undermines the strong national stance taken after the attack and dilutes the impact of Operation Sindoor.

Memes, opinion threads, and calls for reimposing the ban continue to flood social media, with some users tagging government handles and demanding accountability. Influential voices, including retired defense personnel and political commentators, have also weighed in, urging transparency on whether the rollback was temporary, tactical, or permanent. 

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