India Blocks Arshad Nadeem’s Instagram Account Amid Rising Tensions

ISLAMABAD: India has blocked the Instagram account of Pakistani Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, marking a significant escalation in the digital crackdown on Pakistani content. This move is seen as part of a broader effort to restrict Pakistani voices online, following the Indian Home Ministry’s recommendation to curb Pakistani digital presence.

This action follows the recent banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including those of prominent figures like former cricketers Rashid Latif, Shoaib Akhtar, and Basit Ali. The blocking of Nadeem’s account comes amidst heightened tensions in occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam incident, with many observers speculating that it is politically motivated.

The decision to block Nadeem’s account is also viewed as an attempt to suppress narratives that challenge India’s official stance and to hinder sports diplomacy between the two nations. This follows Nadeem’s reported rejection of an invitation from India’s Neeraj Chopra to compete in a javelin event in India.

Read more: India Suspends Social Media Accounts of Pakistani Celebs Amid Tensions

The move has drawn significant criticism, with many perceiving it as an attempt to stifle Pakistani voices and limit cross-border engagement in sports and entertainment. Critics argue that such actions further isolate the region and harm opportunities for mutual cooperation and understanding.