‘Ro doongi’: Hania Aamir reacts as Indian fans use VPN to access her Instagram

The Indian government has geo-blocked the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas and Sajal Aly, following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

Indian users attempting to access these Instagram profiles are now shown the message: “Account not available in India. This content has been restricted in response to a legal request.”

Despite the block, many Indians have found workarounds by using VPN services to continue following their favourite Pakistani artists. Among those receiving a surge of online support is actor Hania Aamir.

One fan commented on her post, “Don’t worry, humne VPN subscription liya hai apke liye (We have taken a VPN subscription for you),” to which Hania responded with, “Ro doongi (I’m going to cry),” followed by “Love you.”

The digital restrictions are part of a series of measures taken by India following the terror attack.

According to government sources, India has also banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels accused of spreading provocative, communally sensitive content and anti-India narratives targeting national security forces.

The move is part of a broader set of punitive measures taken by India in response to the attack, which killed 26 civilians and has been attributed to Pakistan-based terrorists. In addition to the online clampdown, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, cancelled visas issued to Pakistani nationals, suspended bilateral trade, imposed a ban on Pakistani flights using Indian airspace, and halted certain exports as part of a comprehensive diplomatic and economic response.