Ban Lifted on Pakistani Social Media Handles and YouTube Channels Imposed During Operation Sindoor!
#News Bureau July 2,2025
Has the Indian government officially lifted the ban on Pakistani social media handles and YouTube channels imposed during Operation Sindoor?
Following the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, the partial ban on Pakistani news and social media channels in India appears to have been lifted. YouTube channels like Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo are now accessible again in India. Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebrities such as Mawra Hocane and Yumna Zaidi have also become visible to Indian users. However, big names like Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan still remain blocked.
Interestingly, there has been no official announcement from the Indian government regarding this development. This raises the question—does this indicate a softening in India-Pakistan tensions, or is it a strategic political maneuver?
India had blamed Pakistan for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and launched Operation Sindoor on May 7. In this operation, Indian forces targeted nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strike reportedly destroyed infrastructure belonging to terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
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In response to the attack, India took several steps to further tighten diplomatic and cultural ties with Pakistan. These included banning Pakistani news channels, YouTube channels, and social media accounts. The Instagram accounts of several Pakistani actors and celebrities—such as Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi, Ahad Raza Mir, and Danish Taimoor—were blocked in India. Additionally, the release of films featuring artists like Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir was halted in the country.
However, on July 2, Indian users noticed that several Pakistani YouTube channels—such as Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo—had become accessible again. Moreover, the Instagram accounts of celebrities like Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi, Ahad Raza Mir, Danish Taimoor, and even cricketer Shahid Afridi were also once again available in India.
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Hania Amir’s Instagram account
Cine Workers Association demands complete ban
On the other hand, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has strongly criticized this decision. It has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding a complete and permanent ban on Pakistani content. The organization called it an emotional attack on the families of terrorism victims and said that it is an insult to the sacrifice of those martyred in the Pahalgam attack.
However, in May, the two countries reached an emergency ceasefire agreement, which led to a slight easing of tensions. This ceasefire, along with the recent partial lifting of digital restrictions, is being seen by some as a step toward de-escalation.
This partial reversal has raised several questions. Does it signal a shift in India’s policy, or is it merely a selective relaxation? Neither Meta nor the Indian government has issued any official statement on the matter, adding to the uncertainty.
Some experts believe this move could reopen possibilities for cultural and entertainment collaboration between the two countries. However, due to ongoing national security concerns, the development remains sensitive and controversial.
