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Pakistani dramas like Humsafar and Tere Bin have quietly built a huge fanbase in India — but that may be changing.
In a surprising move, the Indian government has banned access to several major Pakistani YouTube drama channels, citing national security concerns after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Viewers trying to watch their favorite serials are now greeted with a blunt message: “This content is not available in your country.”
The move doesn't just affect shows — Instagram profiles of top stars like Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar have also gone dark in India. Is this the end of cross-border entertainment for now?
Pakistani YouTube Channels Banned In India
In the wake of the recent terror incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has restricted access to various well-known Pakistani drama channels on YouTube, such as ARY Digital, Har Pal Geo, and Hum TV. These channels, popular among Indian viewers, now display a notice stating: “This content is not available in this country due to a government directive linked to national security or public order.” The decision was made following suggestions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Thus, you cannot stream your favorite Pakistani dramas like Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum and others from now on.
India Bans Pakistani Celebrities Social Accounts
The crackdown has also affected social media, with multiple Pakistani celebrities unable to access their Instagram accounts in India. Included among the impacted are performers Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, Sajal Aly and many others.
These restrictions are part of a larger set of actions taken by Indian authorities following the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 visitors. Previously, the government prohibited 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for supposedly disseminating provocative, communally sensitive, and deceptive content aimed at InTdia and its security forces. The recent ban broadens its reach to encompass entertainment content too.
Abir Gulaal Ban In India?
In a related update, the Indian launch of Fawad Khan's upcoming movie Abir Gulaal, featuring Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, has been called off. The movie had previously been prohibited in Pakistan.
Pakistani dramas have traditionally had a loyal audience in India due to their compelling plots, touching stories, and relatable personalities. Series like Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Humsafar, Mere Humsafar, and Tere Bin have gained a loyal following among Indian audiences, enhancing the cross-border fame of stars like Mahira Khan, Wahaj Ali, and Yumna Zaidi. Despite the ongoing political conflict between India and Pakistan, Indian audiences have continued to engage with these dramas through YouTube and social media—until now.
While politics continues to divide borders, entertainment has always united hearts. But with these bans, fans on both sides are now feeling the loss.
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