India Blocks Pakistani Celebrities' Social Media, VPN Usage Surges
The blockade has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many Pakistani celebrities and citizens expressing their views on the situation. The use of VPNs has become increasingly popular, as people try to access blocked content and stay informed about the developments in the region.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, with India blocking the social media handles of several Pakistani celebrities, including Aima Baig, Farhan Saeed, and Adnan Siddiqui, in response to the recent Pahalgam attack in India-occupied Kashmir.
The move has been met with a mix of reactions from the affected celebrities, with some expressing confusion and others celebrating being grouped with other banned celebrities. Aima Baig posted a screenshot of her unavailable account with a confused expression, while Farhan Saeed called it the Indians' "loss." Adnan Siddiqui compared his blocked account to Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan in 2019.
The Indian government has also blocked the official X account of the Pakistani government and several news outlets, including Dawn. In response, Pakistan has stopped the airing of Indian songs on Pakistani FM radio stations. The blockade has also affected Pakistani cricketers, with Instagram accounts of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan being blocked. The move is seen as a response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in several casualties.
The tensions between the two countries have also led to a surge in VPN usage, as people try to access blocked content. The Indian government has blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative content and misinformation. Pakistan has called for an independent probe into the Pahalgam attack and has warned that a strike from India is imminent.
The situation remains volatile, with both countries engaging in a war of words and actions. The blockade of social media handles and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty have further strained relations between India and Pakistan. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the two countries will resolve their differences and restore normalcy to the region.