Farhan Saeed and Armeena Khan React Strongly to India Instagram Ban on Pakistani Celebrities
In a troubling new chapter of the cultural disconnect between India and Pakistan, the India Instagram ban on Pakistani celebrities has sparked powerful responses from several top stars across the border. The restriction, reportedly enforced after the recent Pahalgam incident, saw multiple Pakistani celebrity Instagram accounts inaccessible in India—an act that has disheartened both stars and their fans alike.
Singer-turned-actor Farhan Saeed expressed his frustration with the situation, calling the ban immature and unfair to Indian fans. In a heartfelt message on social media, he wrote:
“What started as a war has turned into a high school blocking game. Your loss.”
He continued by sending love to his Indian supporters, hoping they would be able to reconnect with their favorite artists soon:
“All the love to Indian fans who are victims of this. I pray that sense prevails.”
Armeena Khan, known for her compelling performances in Bin Roye and Janaan, also weighed in. While she admitted she wasn’t personally affected by the ban, her thoughts were with the fans.
“I’m not too bothered by the ban, but I do feel for the fans who believed in peace and always supported me.”
Sarcastic & Serious Takes from Other Celebs
Other celebrities in Pakistan took to humor and sharp commentary to cope with the continued digital censorship.
- Yasir Hussain kept things light with a sarcastic take, suggesting people not take it too seriously.
- Arsalan Naseer, known for his witty content, jokingly blamed Fawad Khan, adding comic relief to the tense moment.
- Zhalay Sarhadi took a more serious tone, calling out the move’s pettiness and reminding users that VPNs exist.
- Ali Gul Pir turned the moment into a playful apology to his Indian followers, showcasing continued goodwill and cross-border love.
The Bigger Picture: Years of Cultural Barriers
The India Instagram ban on Pakistani celebrities isn’t an isolated move. It’s part of a larger, long-running cultural freeze. This trend began post-2016’s Uri attack, when Bollywood’s producers association decided to stop hiring Pakistani artists citing national security.
Attempts to challenge the ban legally—such as the 2018 Bombay High Court petition—were dismissed, with courts suggesting such matters are political, not artistic.
And yet, the love between fans and artists has never truly faded. Pakistani stars like Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam, and others who once ruled Indian screens and hearts still receive immense support from Indian audiences.
A Hope for Reconnection
Despite the bans, blocks, and political turmoil, artists continue to push for peace through their words and actions. As Farhan Saeed said,
“I pray that sense prevails.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates with fans on both sides of the border—because art, after all, knows no boundaries.