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After the horrific Pahalgam terror attack and Pakistani artists’ response to Operation Sindoor, the Indian government took several measures to not only restrict but also ban collaborations with Pakistani actors. The authorities also decided to ban all social media handles of the artists, as well as popular Pakistani channels were restricted in India. Despite it all, it seems like Indian users can still access popular shows through subsidiary channels.
As per a report by News18, Pakistani shows like Mere Humsafar, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum (starring Hania Aamir), and Suno Chanda are still available in India on YouTube. Reportedly, even though the primary channels remain inaccessible to viewers, the subsidiary channels are still providing access to watch the popular dramas.
It is to be noted that it was only recently that all the primary channels as well as the Instagram handles of Pakistani actors, including Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi, Ahad Raza Mir, and Danish Taimoor, were made accessible in India. However, if media reports are to be believed, it was all due to a technical glitch. The access has been revoked again.
The Government of India had issued an advisory to OTT platforms, media streaming services, and others to discontinue Pakistan-origin content, including films, web series, songs, and podcasts, with immediate effect after the Pahalgam terror attack. All streaming platforms were advised to the advisory references the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, highlighting that publishers must avoid content that affects India’s sovereignty and integrity.
