The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released a new directive to OTT platforms functioning in India. With escalating political tensions with Pakistan, the government has instructed all streaming services to cease broadcasting content from Pakistan.

“In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming services, and intermediaries working in India are urged to stop providing web-series, films, songs, podcasts, and other streaming media content, whether available on a subscription basis or not, originating from Pakistan with immediate effect,” stated a notice disseminated by news agency ANI.

What is the reasoning behind this decision?

The decision follows a day after the Indian army's Operation Sindoor, which avenged the horrific terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists, in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22.

During Operation Sindoor, which took place from 1:04 AM to 1:30 AM, Indian armed forces targeted nine terror locations in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) during the early hours of Wednesday.

The renewed conflicts between India and Pakistan have already influenced financial markets, with non-deliverable forwards on the Indian rupee suggesting a considerable decline. As a precautionary measure, Pakistan has closed its airspace following the Indian attacks, according to Pakistan International Airlines Corp.

Effect on films and performers

The realm of entertainment has also felt the repercussions. The Indian government has blocked the accounts of various Pakistani celebrities in India. This list includes Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hania Amir, Atif Aslam, and others.

Fawad was on the verge of making his Bollywood return after a year with Abir Gulaal, which also features Vaani Kapoor. The future of the film is now in question.

Instagram accounts belonging to former Jal band member and Mere Humsafar actor Farhan Saeed, Ali Sethi of Pasoori fame, Saba Qamar (Hindi Medium), and Adnan Siddiqui (Mom) are also not accessible in India. "Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content": this notification appeared when users in India attempted to view the profiles of these artists.

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