Farhan, Armeena react to India's Instagram ban

In the latest fallout of the ongoing cultural freeze between India and Pakistan, several Pakistani celebrities have reacted sharply to Indian authorities banning their Instagram accounts. The ban, imposed after the Pahalgam attack, has drawn sharp responses from the entertainment industry in Pakistan, including singer-actor Farhan Saeed and film star Armeena Khan.

Farhan, who rose to fame with the band Jal and has since acted in several acclaimed television serials, posted a pointed message on social media on Friday. "What started as a war has turned into a high school blocking game. Your loss," he wrote. "All the love to Indian fans who are victims of this. I pray that sense prevails and you can see your favourite stars again."

Armeena, known for her performances in Bin Roye and Janaan, also shared her thoughts. "I'm not too bothered [by the ban]," she said. "I just feel for the fans who were always supportive of me and believed in peace."

Several other celebrities on this side of the border have voiced their reactions to India's continued ban on Pakistani artists. Actor Yasir Hussain responded sarcastically, urging followers to not take the ban too seriously, while actor-comedian Arsalan Naseer joked about blaming Fawad Khan for the situation, adding a comic twist.

Meanwhile, actor Zhalay Sarhadi took a firmer stance, questioning the motives behind the ban and reminding everyone that VPNs exist. Comedian Ali Gul Pir responded with a playful apology to his Indian followers, reaffirming his goodwill.

The unofficial ban on Pakistani actors in India, in place since 2016, resurfaced in public discourse following renewed political tensions in early 2025. The original catalyst was the 2016 Uri attack, after which the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) announced a bar on Pakistani artists working in Bollywood, citing national security concerns.

This industry-level decision was later upheld by the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), framing the issue as one of patriotism over cultural exchange. In 2018, a petition was filed in the Bombay High Court challenging the constitutionality of the ban, arguing it violated the freedom of artistic expression and cultural rights, but the appeal was dismissed, with the court observing that such decisions were within the government's diplomatic purview.

Despite no official state order, the ban has been enforced across casting decisions, promotions, and now, digital platforms, evidenced by the 2025 blocking of several Pakistani celebrity Instagram accounts.

While institutional barriers remain, Pakistani actors and musicians who once found massive popularity in India, from Mahira Khan to Atif Aslam, continue to advocate for cultural dialogue and mutual respect. As Farhan poignantly stated, "I pray that sense prevails."