In early May, the Indian government instructed all OTT platforms, media streaming services, and digital intermediaries to remove any web series, films, songs, podcasts, or content linked to Pakistan.

 The content doesn't pose a threat to India’s sovereignty, national security, integrity, or public order. The notice, issued on May 8, 2025, under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, reminded platforms of their duty to ensure that

The advisory stated:

"OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise, having their origins in Pakistan with immediate effect."

Soon after, several YouTube channels that hosted popular Pakistani dramas and shows were banned in India.

Nearly two months after the ban, channels like Hum TV, ARY Digital, and Har Pal Geo are once again visible and streaming in India. In addition, YouTube channels of former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar are also accessible at the time of this report.

This has snapped a sharp response from the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA).

On Wednesday, AICWA appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to impose a complete ban on the digital presence of all Pakistani artists, influencers, and entertainment platforms in India.

The group said the sudden reappearance of these accounts online was not just offensive, but disrespectful.

"It is an insult to the sacrifice of our martyred soldiers and an emotional assault on every Indian who lost a loved one in terror attacks perpetrated by Pakistan," the statement read.

AICWA pointed to several past terror attacks, including 26/11, Pulwama, Uri, and the Pahalgam attack, holding Pakistan responsible for ongoing cross-border terrorism. The association called Pakistan a "terrorist nation."

"Instead of showing remorse, several Pakistani artists have shamelessly spoken against India," AICWA noted.

AICWA’s three demands to the government

The group laid out the following demands:

  1. A nationwide digital blackout of all Pakistani social media accounts and media channels.

  2. A ban on future collaborations with Pakistani citizens in Indian films, media, OTT content, or advertising.

  3. A permanent cultural disconnect from Pakistan, in honour of Indian soldiers and the families of victims.

The advisory followed a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 25 tourists, including 24 Indians, one Nepali, and a local man, lost their lives. The Resistance Front, a known proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility.

It was the worst terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir since the Pulwama attack in 2019.

Following the tragedy, India downgraded its diplomatic ties with Pakistan, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, and carried out Operation Sindoor, a precision military strike targeting nine terror camps across the border.

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