Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has blocked access to several popular Pakistani drama channels on YouTube, including ARY Digital, Har Pal Geo, and Hum TV. These channels, widely watched by Indian audiences, now show a message saying: “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.” The move was based on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The crackdown has extended to social media as well, with several Pakistani celebrities finding their Instagram accounts inaccessible in India. Among those affected are actors Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, and Sajal Aly. However, accounts of some others, including Fawad Khan and Wahaj Ali, remain accessible to Indian users.
These restrictions are part of a broader set of actions taken by Indian authorities following the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 tourists. Earlier, the government had banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading provocative, communally sensitive, and misleading content targeting India and its security agencies. The latest ban expands the scope to include entertainment content as well.
In a related development, the Indian release of Fawad Khan’s upcoming film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Indian actor Vaani Kapoor, has been cancelled. The film had already been banned in Pakistan.
Pakistani dramas have long enjoyed a dedicated fanbase in India for their tight storytelling, emotional narratives, and relatable characters. Shows like Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Humsafar, Mere Humsafar, and Tere Bin have achieved cult status among Indian viewers, boosting the cross-border popularity of actors such as Mahira Khan, Wahaj Ali, and Yumna Zaidi. Despite ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian audiences have continued to engage with these dramas through YouTube and social media—until now.