In a quiet shift following months of digital restrictions, India has partially lifted its online ban on several Pakistani celebrities and entertainment platforms. The move comes in the aftermath of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which claimed at least 26 civilian lives and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Online users in India have reported renewed access to previously blocked social media accounts, including Instagram and YouTube channels. Among the restored profiles are those of Pakistani celebrities Yumna Zaidi, Dananeer Mobeen, Ahad Raza Mir, Azaan Sami Khan, Mawra Hocane, Ameer Gilani, and Danish Taimoor.
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In addition, three major Pakistani entertainment YouTube channels have become accessible once again, with Indian users highlighting the development on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). However, many top-tier celebrities — including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Atif Aslam — remain blocked.
The Indian government has yet to comment on the partial lifting of the ban, leaving room for speculation. Some users suggested the change may have been an algorithmic update, while others questioned the seemingly selective nature of the restoration, calling it limited to “B-list” personalities.
