Popular Pakistani serials such as Zindagi Gulzar Hai and tracks from Coke Studio Pakistan are now banned in India.
Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of several Indian civilians, the Government of India has initiated strict digital measures targeting content from Pakistan. On May 8, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to all OTT platforms and digital streaming services. The directive instructed them to immediately remove any web series, films, music, podcasts, or other media originating from Pakistan. While the advisory is not legally binding, it is issued under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and cites concerns related to national security and public order.
Shortly after the advisory, the Instagram accounts of several well-known Pakistani actors including Mahira Khan, Hania Amir, Ali Zafar, and Fawad Khan became inaccessible to users in India. Additionally, the official YouTube channels of Pakistani political figures, musicians, and content creators have been blocked from Indian viewership.
Streaming platforms had long served as a cultural bridge between the two countries. Shows like Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, and Suno Chanda attracted widespread popularity among Indian viewers. Pakistani music from Coke Studio was regularly featured on Indian charts, and artists such as Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan developed large Indian fan bases. There were also informal collaborations between Pakistani singers and Indian filmmakers.
These cultural exchanges are now being scaled back. Major platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus Hotstar, YouTube, and Spotify have begun reviewing and removing Pakistan-origin content in response to the advisory.
Reportedly, the All India Cine Workers Association has called for a total professional boycott of Pakistani artists. Referring to remarks made by some Pakistani actors following India’s military response under Operation Sindoor, the association stated that such comments belittle the sacrifices of Indian civilians and soldiers. It urged Indian artists and technicians not to engage with Pakistani counterparts under any circumstances.
Though the government’s advisory does not carry the force of law, it reflects a strong political message and aligns with public sentiment. Pakistani content, which was once a regular part of India’s digital entertainment landscape, is now being systematically removed from platforms available to Indian audiences.
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