Mumbai: The social media accounts of several prominent Pakistani celebrities were once again rendered inaccessible to Indian users on Thursday, just a day after restrictions were temporarily lifted amid widespread backlash.
Notable figures such as Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Shahid Afridi, Mawra Hocane, and Fawad Khan saw their Instagram and Twitter profiles once more become inaccessible to users in India.
Indian social media users confirmed the resumption of bans by sharing screenshots of previously accessible Pakistani channels and profiles.
The ban's reinstatement follows a series of controversies involving Pakistani cinema and celebrities.
Earlier, the Punjabi comedy "Sardaar Ji 3," starring Diljit Dosanjh, sparked controversy due to the involvement of Hania Aamir, leading the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Film Federation of India to urge the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film's release.
The tension extended to Bollywood productions, with the release of Fawad Khan’s film Abir Gulaal, starring Vaani Kapoor, being disrupted by a ban.
Additionally, posters featuring Pakistani stars Mahira Khan and Mawra Hocane were removed from streaming platforms associated with Bollywood movies.
According to Indian media reports, the ban imposed by the Indian government on several Pakistani artists, cricketers, and social media accounts of channels was quietly lifted on Tuesday.
Tensions further escalated in May after the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian jets in retaliation for Indian missile strikes on Pakistani territory.
