North India Statesman
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News India Live, Digital Desk: Ban on Pak Social Media Accounts Lifted: Recently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has lifted temporary ban on some major Pakistani social media accounts (which was on X and Instagram). These accounts consisted of social media handles of Pakistani media houses, Pakistani High Commission and celebrities. Among them were big names like Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, and Shahid Afridi.
In fact, on 25 May, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting blocked these accounts under Section 69A of IT rules. The ministry had alleged that these accounts were involved in sharing “propaganda”, “misinformation” and “pro -Khalistan content” against India, which were a threat to the country’s sovereignty, integrity and security. Social media accounts of major Pakistani media houses like Pakistan High Commission’s Instagram and X Account, as well as Jio News, ARY News, Hum News, Bol News and Don News were also hit by the ban. Accounts of many other Pakistani artists such as Urvashi Hausian, Minal Khan, Yasir Hussain, Asim Azhar, Falak Shabir and Ajaz Aslam were also impressed.
The reason for the return after the ban
However, this ban was removed within a few hours or days. According to reports, the reason for restoring accounts was that the ministry felt that blocking such sensitive international accounts without consulting the Ministry of External Affairs (Mea) could lead to unexpected and serious complications in India-Pakistan bilateral relations. At the government level, it was clarified that the decision to unblock accounts has been taken in mind “some reasons including the sensitivity of India-Pakistan bilateral relations” so that retrenching action or other problems do not arise.
Now all the concerned Pakistani accounts, whether they are from famous celebrities or media institutions, have become fully active on Instagram and X (East Twitter). The incident has launched an important debate over balance between digital material control, diplomacy and national security.
