India has reportedly blocked the Instagram account of Pakistani Olympian Arshad Nadeem, the country’s first javelin throw gold medallist, as tensions with Pakistan intensify following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 tourists.
According to media reports, the restriction, attributed to India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, renders Nadeem’s profile inaccessible to Indian users. It aligns with earlier bans on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including former cricketers Rashid Latif, Shoaib Akhtar, and Basit Ali.
The move follows Nadeem’s decision to decline an invitation from Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra for a javelin event, issued just before the Pahalgam incident.
Indian authorities have also restricted the Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebrities like Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar in India, citing legal content regulation requests. Users see a message: “Account not available in India.” Observers suggest India’s actions aim to control online narratives amid the unrest, while Indian right-wing groups have criticised Chopra’s invitation.
No official confirmation of the ban’s rationale has been provided, and Pakistan denies involvement in the attack. Follow trusted international news sources for updates on India-Pakistan digital restrictions.
