ISLAMABAD – In a move that has ignited widespread criticism and raised concerns over digital censorship, India has reportedly blocked access to the Instagram account of Pakistan’s Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, just weeks after his historic victory at the Paris 2024 Games.
According to multiple media reports, the action was taken on the recommendation of India’s Ministry of Home Affairs. While no official statement has been issued by Indian authorities, the timing of the decision, coinciding with heightened cross-border tensions, has fueled speculation that it was politically motivated.
Fans, analysts, and civil society members across both countries have expressed disappointment, viewing the move as a step away from sportsmanship and toward digital suppression. “This is more than just a block on a social media account—it’s a signal that regional politics is now seeping into the realm of international sports,” said a Pakistani sports analyst.
Arshad Nadeem, who became a national hero in Pakistan after clinching gold in javelin throw at the 2024 Paris Olympics, had recently declined an invitation from Indian Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra to participate in a sporting event in India. Citing security concerns, Nadeem’s polite refusal reportedly came just a day before the incident in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where Indian forces suffered a significant security lapse.
The blocking of Nadeem’s account is part of a larger trend. Indian authorities have previously banned several Pakistani digital platforms and personalities. Among them are YouTube channels operated by former cricketers Shoaib Akhtar, Rashid Latif, and Basit Ali. Popular Instagram profiles of Pakistani celebrities, including actors Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir, and Iqra Aziz, have also been restricted from view within India.
The official Twitter (now X) account of the Government of Pakistan has long been inaccessible to Indian users, further reflecting the strained digital relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
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Analysts suggest the Indian government may be using such measures to deflect public attention from internal challenges. “Following the Pahalgam incident, there’s growing scrutiny of India’s security apparatus. Targeting high-profile Pakistani figures could be an effort to redirect the narrative,” a regional affairs expert noted.
As of now, Arshad Nadeem has not publicly commented on the block. However, calls are growing louder from rights groups and sports communities urging India to separate politics from sports and uphold the spirit of international athletic unity.
