Fact-checking Vaani Kapoor's deleted posts on Instagram amidst Pahalgam terror attack and Abir Gulaal controversy.

Vaani Kapoor removed all posts related to her film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Fawad Khan, from her Instagram account after a terror attack in Pahalgam in April. The film faced backlash, and the government decided not to allow its release in India. Vaani's team clarified that the content was deleted by the film's production team, not her. The Instagram accounts of several Pakistani artists, including Fawad Khan, were also restricted in India.

In a move to escalate diplomatic tensions, the Indian government has blocked the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani celebrities, including singer Atif Aslam, cricketers Shahid Afridi and Babar Azam, and actor Fawad Khan. This action follows a series of measures taken by India in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 16 civilian lives [1].

The ban on Pakistani social media accounts comes after the Indian government had already restricted access to 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, citing provocative and communally sensitive content, false narratives, and misinformation against India [1]. The decision to block the Instagram accounts was taken following the government's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan [1].

In addition to the digital clampdown, India has also expelled Pakistani military attaches and closed the Attari land-transit post. Pakistan, in response, suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement, blocked Indian airspace, closed the Wagah border crossing, paused all trade with India, and threatened to consider any attempt to divert water under the Indus Water Treaty as an Act of War [1].

The actions taken by both countries have further strained their already tense bilateral relations. The recent developments highlight the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, with each side taking retaliatory measures in response to the other's actions.

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/instagram-accounts-of-more-pakistani-celebrities-including-fawad-khan-atif-aslam-and-babar-azam-blocked-in-india/articleshow/120823146.cms