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It appears that India is gradually lifting its digital restrictions on Pakistani celebrities and entertainment content, with users across the country reporting renewed access to previously blocked Instagram profiles and YouTube channels.

On Tuesday, several Indian users noticed they could once again view the Instagram accounts of Pakistani stars such as Yumna Zaidi, Dananeer Mobeen, Ahad Raza Mir, Azaan Sami Khan, Mawra Hocane, Ameer Gilani, and Danish Taimoor — all of which were previously restricted following the rise in tensions between the two neighbours following the Pahalgam attack in May, for which India blamed Pakistan, an accusation Pakistan has repeatedly denied.

Indian X user Sonam Mahajan drew attention to the change, posting: “BREAKING: Instagram accounts of Pakistani artists Yumna Zaidi, Dananeer Mobeen, Ahad Raza Mir, Azaan Sami, Mawra Hocane, Ameer Gilani and Danish Taimoor, which were restricted in India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, are now accessible again.”

She added that official YouTube channels for Pakistani broadcasters HUM TV, Har Pal Geo, and ARY Digital had also been unblocked.

Indian publication Filmfare later confirmed that these profiles and platforms were indeed accessible in the country without VPNs. However, some Pakistani celebrity accounts, including that of actor Hania Aamir — who is currently starring alongside Diljit Dosanjh in Sardaar Ji 3 and enjoyed considerable support in India prior to Pahalgam — remain unaccessible.

Other major names such as Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Atif Aslam continue to remain inaccessible on Indian platforms, according to the outlet. No official explanation has been issued by Indian authorities about the partial rollback.

The move has sparked criticism in India’s online spaces, particularly from those who support the ongoing digital blockout of Pakistani content. “It’s shameful that you have done this,” one user wrote while tagging India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT.

Another questioned the apparent inconsistency: “We banned them for nationalism. Now unbanned them for… nautanki (drama)?”

Many failed to understand the rationale behind the move, calling on the Indian government for an explanation.

One user sarcastically referenced the restrictions on Sardaar Ji 3, which is not releasing in India, writing: “Diljit be like — ‘When this is what you had to do, then why didn’t you let my film release in India?’”

The film has become a flashpoint after India blamed Pakistan for the deadly Pahalgam attack — allegations Pakistan has strongly denied. What followed was a sharp military escalation, including overnight Indian airstrikes on Pakistani territory. According to the ISPR, the strikes hit six sites, killing 31 civilians and injuring 57, including women and children.

Pakistani celebrities, including Aamir, issued statements condemning the attacks. The actor’s Instagram story, calling the strikes “cowardly” and “shameful,” sparked backlash across the border and calls for a boycott of the film.

As part of the fallout, several Pakistani social media accounts and entertainment platforms were blocked in India. That makes the recent quiet reversal all the more surprising.

However, not all reactions were critical. Some Indian fans welcomed the move and called for a broader cultural unblocking. “Then what is the problem in releasing the Sardaar Ji 3 movie?” one user asked.

Others voiced support for restoring access to Pakistani music on Indian platforms. Pakistani songs were removed from Indian libraries on Spotify following a directive from the Indian government.

“What wrong did Atif Aslam do? Please unblock his account,” read one post.

“I just want Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Noor Jehan and Kavish back,” another wrote.

It’s unclear what the Indian government’s strategy is here and whether this signals a softening in its policy on cross-border collaborations and cultural exchanges. Either way, the digital border appears to be shifting once again — albeit quietly.

Meghan Markle may have been riding high in the success of her booming business ventures, but her insensitive move has seemingly caused deep pain to her husband Prince Harry.

The Duchess of Sussex has been focusing on expanding her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and has quickly been adding new items to her collection. After Meghan’s restock and special summer items sold out within an hour after release on June 20, the former Suits star launched her 2023 Napa Valley Rosé on Tuesday.

As expected, the wine was sold out in the next hour from the website. However, royal experts pointed out how Meghan’s choice date for the launch had been rather tone-deaf.

Prince Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, passed away in a tragic car crash in 1996, in which the driver was found to be drunk leading to the sad demise of the beloved princess.

Meghan’s wine launch coincided with the same day as what would have been Diana’s 64th birthday.

According to royal reporter and commentator, Kinsey Schofield, Meghan had made a “cruel” move to “hijack” Diana’s memory.

claims that the release of the beverage on the late Princess Diana’s birthday has “struck a nerve” with those in the royal household.

“I think Diana’s death remains one of the most heart-breaking and symbolic moments in modern royal history,” she said during a discussion with The Sun.

“Linking that memory, whether intentionally or accidentally, to a commercial product, especially one tied to alcohol, feels like a profound misjudgement.”

Schofield added, “There are 363 other days to launch a wine or an alcohol brand. Choosing this one, even if unintentional, speaks volumes.”

The expert pointed out that Harry would have been upset by the move which was “shockingly tone deaf”.

She noted that July 1 is a “tough day” for Harry as he would still be “thinking about the mother he lost, the mother that he loved, the mother that he talks to us about constantly”. Meanwhile, Meghan would be “excited” for her launch, a sharp contrast.