The move comes a few days after the Indian government blocked Pakistani cricketers Shahid Afridi and Babar Azam, actors Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan and singer Atif Aslam.
Other popular figures that are also restricted in India include Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Sajal Aly, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, Bilal Abbas and Momina Mustehsan.
These restrictions followed the greater crackdown, first of all the centers demanded the ban on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including news outlets such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, Geo News and Ary News. These channels are blocked to target Indian broadcasts provocative, false and community-sensitive content.
The tightening of digital access and public influence of Pakistani figures after terrorist attacks in Jamu and Pahalgam in Kashmir in April was amid the snatch of 26 civilians from their lives. After briefing the Cabinet Security Committee (CCS), citing cross-border links to the attack, India has taken a series of retaliatory measures against Pakistan. These include demoting diplomatic ties, expelling Pakistani military officials, suspending the Indus Water Treaty and closing the Attari Land Transit Transit Post. Foreign Minister Vikram Misri said the steps were necessary as Pakistan continues to provide a safe haven for terrorist networks targeting India.
Pakistan suspended the 1972 Simla agreement with a tit foot move, blocked its airspace from Indian Airlines, closed the Waga border and stopped all bilateral trade. Islamabad also announced that any water that transfers water from the Indus system will be considered an “act of war.”
