In a move that has sparked outrage and disappointment across social media, Indian authorities have blocked access to major Pakistani entertainment channels and several celebrity social media pages. Channels such as HUM TV, ARY Digital, and Geo Entertainment, along with Instagram accounts of popular Pakistani celebrities, have become inaccessible to Indian fans, marking a significant escalation in India’s ongoing digital crackdown on cross-border content.
The ban, which has left Indian fans unable to watch their favorite Pakistani dramas or visit the social media pages of beloved stars, follows previous restrictions that saw 16 Pakistani YouTube channels and several news outlets blocked in the country. The latest round of censorship appears to be in direct response to the tragic attack in Pahalgam, located in India-occupied Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, where 26 individuals lost their lives. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, though the Pakistani government has strongly denied any involvement and called for an impartial investigation.
Although the Indian government has not issued an official statement regarding the restrictions, users attempting to access Pakistani entertainment channels or celebrity pages are greeted with an error message that reads: “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.”
The Times of India has reported that several celebrity accounts, including those of popular Pakistani stars like Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, and Ali Zafar, are no longer accessible in India. When users try to visit these pages, they encounter a notification stating, “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
The news quickly spread across social media, with fans voicing their frustrations on X (formerly Twitter). One user lamented, “They banned [HUM TV] in India. Now how will I watch my favorite Pak shows,” while another expressed disbelief, “Not India banning [HUM TV] on both Instagram and YouTube,” with crying emojis. Some fans joked about needing VPNs to keep up with shows like Humraaz, while others sarcastically directed their complaints toward HUM TV producers. One fan humorously tweeted, “Dear Momina, revenge drama/film please (we can crowd-fund it). We will kidnap Fawad and bring him here, and Yumna Zaidi and Hania Aamir… Anyone (Sajal still looks like his daughter).”
For many, Pakistani dramas are more than just entertainment; they represent a cultural connection between the two nations. Shows like Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Humsafar, Mere Humsafar, and Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi have earned a devoted following in India, where they are often praised for their strong storytelling and emotional depth. The censorship of these shows is seen by some as a blow to the cultural bridge that has been built through shared media. As one social media user pointed out, “HUM TV Pakistan is officially pulled down by India. Allowing people to unite via art could be such a dangerous idea no?”
However, not all reactions have been negative. Some users have expressed approval of the ban, celebrating what they perceive as a long-overdue move. One user tweeted, “Nuked their drama industry, both ARY DIGITAL and HUM TV have been banned,” while another mocked the fans of Pakistani content, writing, “Big breaking! After Pakistani news channels, now Pakistan’s all GEC channels including Geo Entertainment, HUM TV, ARY Digital, and others banned in India! These Pakistani drama lovers, what will they do now? Jobless.”
Earlier this year, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs took similar steps by blocking 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including those run by prominent media outlets like Dawn, ARY, and Samaa. The government cited the spread of “false narratives” and “provocative” content as justification, although no specific evidence has been made public. The ban also impacted independent creators, including podcaster Shehzad Ghias, whose show The Pakistan Experience was among those blocked.
The ongoing removal of entertainment content signals a broader trend in India’s media censorship, with a growing hostility toward cross-border cultural exchanges. Pakistani dramas like Mere Paas Tum Ho and Parizaad are known for their relatable storytelling and often steer clear of overt political messaging, suggesting that the recent clampdown may be part of a wider strategy to limit cultural ties between the two nations.
