Blocked again! Pakistani celebs like Yumna Zaidi, Ahad Raza, Shahid Afridi, Mawra Hocane vanish from Indian social media after brief return

Just a day after Pakistani celebrities’ social media profiles briefly became accessible to users in India, they have once again been blocked. Instagram accounts of popular actors such as Mawra Hocane, Saba Qamar, Ahad Raza Mir, Yumna Zaidi, and Danish Taimoor were briefly visible. YouTube channels of former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar, along with entertainment platforms like Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo, were also temporarily accessible.

However, by Thursday morning, these accounts were once again restricted. Users searching for them were met with the message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”

AICWA demands complete ban
Earlier on Wednesday, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) renewed its call for a total and permanent ban on Pakistani nationals and entertainment content in India. The association sent an official appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a full digital and cultural disconnect from Pakistan.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), AICWA said the reappearance of Pakistani actors and channels was “an emotional assault” on the families of terrorism victims. The group specifically named Mawra Hocane and Yumna Zaidi, calling their social media presence “a direct insult to the sacrifice of our martyred soldiers”.

Terror attacks and recent tensions cited

AICWA referred to previous terror attacks such as 26/11, Pulwama, Uri, and the recent Pahalgam tragedy, which killed 26 civilians. It also raised concerns about statements allegedly made by Pakistani celebrities after India’s recent Operation Sindoor, claiming that instead of showing remorse, some artists had spoken against India.

No loss to India, says association

The association highlighted that Pakistan has already banned Indian films and content since the Pulwama attack. “India has diplomatic and cultural ties with nearly 200 countries. Cutting off Pakistan will not harm our economy or entertainment industry,” AICWA said. It called for a nationwide digital blackout of Pakistani media, a ban on all collaborations involving Pakistani citizens, and a permanent cultural disconnect as a tribute to Indian soldiers.

Inputs from agencies