Indian authorities also allow access to social media pages of some artists after days of constant ban
KARACHI: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 2nd, 2025) In a major development for cross-border cultural exchange, the Indian government has unexpectedly lifted restrictions on Pakistani YouTube channels and artists, allowing Indian viewers to once again access Pakistani digital content. The decision has been met with widespread appreciation from Indian fans and content creators alike.
The ban was initially imposed in the wake of the Pahalgam incident, during which India restricted access to Pakistani YouTube channels and social media accounts of actors. Film releases featuring Pakistani stars such as Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir were also put on hold. Despite the restrictions, Hania Aamir’s film enjoyed a successful global release — though it remained unavailable in India.
With the lifting of the ban, Indian audiences have regained access to Pakistani dramas and entertainment, which remained popular even during the restrictions. Dramas such as “Man Mast Malang,” “Sher,” “Dayan,” and “Parwarish” continued to engage Indian viewers despite limited visibility.
However, not all restrictions have been lifted. Accounts of prominent figures such as Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Wahaj Ali, Iqra Aziz, Farhan Saeed, and Hania Aamir remain inaccessible to Indian users.
Indian social media users warmly welcomed the move. One user wrote, “Diljit Dosanjh took the first step, now everyone is following him.” Another added, “It’s great that the ban is over, but the Pakistani industry should now focus on producing even higher-quality content.”
Fans of actor Danish Taimoor expressed particular excitement, as his dramas “Sher” and “Man Mast Malang” had been performing well in India despite the restrictions. With renewed access, fans expect viewership to grow significantly. “Now Sher will roar even louder,” one fan posted. Another predicted, “Sher will soon enter the billion-views club and break Tere Bin’s record.”
Indian users were surprised to see posts from Pakistani celebrities appearing on their timelines again, indicating that social media access for some artists had also been restored quietly. Accounts for stars like Danish Taimoor, Ahad Raza Mir, Mawra Hocane, and Yumna Zaidi are now accessible in India.
The experts view the move as a positive signal toward improved cultural relations between the two countries. For Indian fans of Pakistani entertainment, the decision is seen as a welcome return to content they enjoy. Industry observers believe this presents a valuable opportunity for the Pakistani entertainment sector to strengthen its presence in the Indian market by focusing on quality and creativity.
As digital platforms continue to bridge borders, the restoration of access underscores the unifying power of culture and the growing demand for regional storytelling in South Asia.
