(image/unsplash)
New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions between the neighbouring countries, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on Thursday asked all OTT platforms, digital streaming services and intermediaries operating in India to immediately discontinue all films, songs, web series, podcasts and other media content originating from Pakistan.
The ban applies across both subscription-based and free-to-access platforms.
Also Read | Indian Seminary Teacher Killed In Pakistan Shelling, Falsely Branded ‘Terrorist’ By National Media
The advisory comes in the backdrop of rising tensions between India and Pakistan after India responded with Operation Sindoor following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir that killed 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen.
“In the interest of national security, all 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 its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect,” the ministry said in a statement.
🚨 Breaking news:India bans all Pakistani content in the interest of national security from all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India. pic.twitter.com/7SyP2PgiCw
— Indian Infra Report (@Indianinfoguide) May 8, 2025
Earlier, India had banned the social media handles of several prominent Pakistani celebrities, including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam and more. Verified profiles of actors, singers, and public figures from Pakistan are no longer accessible on social media platforms, including Instagram, X, and YouTube.
In the last few years, Pakistani content has generated a significant fan base in India. Pakistani television dramas, particularly, have gained popularity among Indians ever since they streamed on ZEE5.
Also Read | Reliance Pulls Trademark Application For ‘Operation Sindoor’ After Backlash
Several Pakistani films are also available to Indian viewers on Prime Video and YouTube.
But more than the dramas and films, it is the music from the neighbouring country that has the most fans from India. Coke Studio Pakistan is especially popular, even more than Coke Studio India, for its blend of classical and contemporary music. Artists such as Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ali Sethi, Abida Parveen and more are exceptionally popular among Indians.
