India suspends X accounts of Imran Khan, Bilawal Bhutto following Shehbaz Sharif
India-Pak: Following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has launched a digital counteroffensive against Pakistan. The Indian government has suspended the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto within India.
Several Pakistani leaders' social media accounts previously banned
Previously, India had blocked the X accounts of Pakistan's current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, and several other ministers in India. This action was taken to curb the spread of anti-India content on social media.
Celebrities and media channels also affected
The crackdown extends beyond political figures; India has also banned the Instagram and YouTube accounts of several Pakistani actors and influencers. Notable names include Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Hania Amir, and Sajal Ali. Furthermore, YouTube channels of media outlets such as Dawn, Geo News, ARY, Raj News, and Samaa TV have been blocked in India.
India's response following the Pahalgam attack
A terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Beasaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, resulted in the death of 26 people. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by TRF (The Resistance Front), a branch of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Following the attack, the Indian government initiated a multi-pronged response against Pakistan—diplomatic, military, and now digital.
Review of the Indus Waters Treaty also under consideration
In the wake of the attack, the Indian government is also reviewing the Indus Waters Treaty, signed between the two countries in 1960. India is currently reconsidering the provisions of this treaty.
The government has made it clear that strict action will be taken against any platform spreading anti-India rhetoric or fake news within India. The public has also been urged to rely only on official sources for information and refrain from disseminating misleading content.
