Our Bureau
New Delhi
The X accounts of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-minister Bilawal Bhutto are now blocked in India, amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack.
“@BBhuttoZardari has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand,” showed the message on X.
The Indian government had already banned the X account of various Pakistani artists recently including the likes of Hania Amir, Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar with Amir enjoying a considerable fan following in India.
Their accounts displayed the automated message that they were not available in India because “we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
The accounts have been blocked after the Indian government banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels a few days ago. These included prominent media outlets like Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News. The channels were banned for airing provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives and misinformation against India. It was followed by the blocking of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s YouTube channel in India.
It is noteworthy to mention that former Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had recently acknowledged his country’s links to terrorist activities in the past while assuring of a reformed state at present. He said his nation suffered due to extremism but the country has come a long way ever since.
“As far as Pakistan’s history is concerned, it is history, and it is not something that we are partaking in today. It is true that it is an unfortunate part of our history,” Zardari explained.
His statement followed Defence Minister Khwaja Asif’s admission of Pakistan’s involvement in backing and funding terrorist groups.
Zardari had faced a lot of wrath for his “either water or blood will flow” statement recently after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan in the aftermath of Pahalgam.
Imran Khan too had asked India to act responsibly while also describing the Pahalgam terror attack as “deeply disturbing and tragic.” He further said, Peace is our priority, but it should not be mistaken for cowardice. Pakistan has got all the capabilities to give a befitting response to any Indian misadventure, as my government, backed by the whole nation, did in 2019.”
“I have always emphasised the importance of the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, as guaranteed by United Nations resolutions,” Khan further added.
