India Unbans Select Pakistani Channels on YouTube and Celebrities’ Social Media Accounts
The sudden unbanning also took Indian netizens by not-so-pleasant surprise, and many took to X to express their frustration.
India has quietly lifted the ban on several Pakistani YouTube channels and social media accounts of prominent celebrities, reopening access to Pakistani entertainment content for Indian audiences.
This move comes after months of restrictions imposed in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which led to heightened tensions between the two countries.
As reproted, Indian users can now view Instagram profiles of stars like Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, Mawra Hocane, Danish Taimoor, and Dananeer Mobeen, as well as popular Pakistani TV networks including HUM TV, ARY Digital, and Geo Entertainment, all of which had been blocked earlier.
However, the lifting of the ban has also sparked controversy. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the decision and reinstate the ban, citing national sentiments following the Pahalgam attack and subsequent military operations by India.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has not yet issued an official statement regarding the reversal of restrictions.
The sudden unbanning also took Indian netizens by not-so-pleasant surprise, and many took to X to express their frustration.
Not even 3 months into the ban and Pakistani channels are back, many Pakistani actresses' Insta accounts unbanned in India, reports say India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match in September 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/j0vScZ50zg
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) July 2, 2025
Instagram accounts of many Pakistani actors has been unbanned in India.
— श्रद्धा | Shraddha (@immortalsoulin) July 1, 2025
Even their entertainment channels on YouTube have been unbanned.@GoI_MeitY, what has changed in two months? Have they stopped hating us?
Has Pakistan given up jihadi terrorism against India?
Asim Munir… pic.twitter.com/ZNmlZQvJui
Pakistani channels and Accounts that were banned in India have been unbanned.
— Hindutva Vigilant (@VigilntHindutva) July 2, 2025
I guess now Operation Sindoor is officially over🤡 pic.twitter.com/F8EBII4Hvm
Indian government uplifts the ban on Pakistani dramas channels, all Pakistani drama channels are back on youtube in India, Pakistani celebrities social media accounts will be back as well by tonight
— Rashi Modi | 🇮🇳 (@RasodaQueen) July 1, 2025
Shame on our government, never seen such a coward and weak government 🤡
Why are Pakistani channels unbanned in India now?😤
— pookie gurl 🎀 (@lucky01_soni) July 2, 2025
Was it banned just to show off?🤷🏻♀️
Government don't care about us & our soldiers who died in a battle field. pic.twitter.com/m5PrqDAslH
Whether this renewed access to Pakistani entertainment will lead to sustained cultural exchange or face future disruptions remains uncertain. For now, Indian audiences can enjoy the return of Pakistani dramas and celebrities on their screens after months’ hiatus.
The ban had also affected film releases featuring Pakistani actors, including Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir, with some projects being halted in India.
As reproted, despite the restrictions, Pakistani dramas like “Sher,” “Man Mast Malang,” and “Parvarish” continued to attract Indian viewers through alternative means.
