India Bans Pak Govt X Account After Attack

India has blocked the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Pakistan government following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed four Indian soldiers. The Indian government cites national security and anti-India propaganda as reasons for the ban. Pakistan condemned the move as digital censorship, deepening diplomatic tensions. This incident marks a new phase in cyber diplomacy between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, as social media becomes a frontline for political confrontation.

• India blocks Pakistan’s official X (formerly Twitter) account

• Action follows deadly terror attack on Indian soldiers in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

• Pakistan strongly condemns the move, calls it “digital censorship”

• Diplomatic relations between the two countries hit a new low

• Social media turns into a battleground for public opinion

• Experts warn of escalating tensions in the digital and diplomatic arena

A deadly terrorist ambush in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of four Indian soldiers, reigniting tensions between India and Pakistan. The attack, which occurred on April 20, 2025, has been strongly condemned by Indian authorities, who blamed Pakistan-based terror outfits for orchestrating the assault.

• The ambush took place near a military convoy on a routine patrol

• Terrorists used automatic weapons and explosives

• Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terror group, is suspected

• Indian military has since launched a massive combing operation in the area

In a bold digital move, India restricted access to Pakistan's official X account, which regularly posts government updates, foreign policy announcements, and national news.

• The Indian government cited national security concerns and misinformation campaigns being run from the account.

• Officials claimed the account was being used to “glorify terror groups” and spread anti-India propaganda.

• The move is seen as part of India's broader digital sovereignty policy, especially in matters concerning internal security.

“We will not tolerate the misuse of digital platforms by any foreign nation to incite violence or mislead our citizens. The decision to block the account was taken in national interest,” — Official from MeitY.

• Users in India can no longer view posts from @GovtOfPakistan on X

• Access has been revoked via ISPs and telecom providers

• X (Twitter) has been asked to comply with the order under India’s IT Rules 2021

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry lashed out against the move, calling it “an attack on free speech” and “a violation of international norms”.

• Condemned the ban as “digital censorship”

• Claimed it hampers government-to-people communication

• Accused India of trying to divert attention from its internal issues in Kashmir

“This unilateral decision is undemocratic and reeks of political immaturity. Such moves do not help in de-escalation,” — Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan.

• Indian users largely supported the government's move, citing national security

• Pakistani users criticized it as an authoritarian tactic

• Neutral users questioned the implications for digital freedom and diplomacy

Diplomats, security analysts, and digital rights experts have shared varied opinions on the matter.

• See the move as a major escalation in Indo-Pak cyber-diplomacy

• Believe it might hinder backchannel talks or peace initiatives

• Fear a spillover effect into trade and cultural exchanges

• Support India’s action as a protective digital strategy

• Warn that retaliation from Pakistan could involve cyber attacks or propaganda counter-campaigns

• Caution against the rising trend of “geo-blocking as a political weapon”

• Urge for international digital diplomacy protocols to be set

This development could have a domino effect across South Asian nations that rely on social platforms for official communication.

• Other countries may adopt similar blocking measures against rival nations

• Risk of splinternet—a fragmented internet based on national borders

• Pressure on platforms like X, Meta, and YouTube to balance compliance with global free speech values

From India:

“Our soldiers died in Pahalgam. Why should we allow enemy propaganda on our networks?” – Ravi S., Student

“Freedom of speech is important, but not when it promotes terror.” – Kavita B., Journalist

From Pakistan:

“You can block accounts, but not reality.” – Ayesha K., Social Media Activist

“This is not how neighbors behave. Dialogue, not digital silencing, is the way forward.” – Hassan R., Political Commentator

With the rise of cyber-diplomacy and geopolitical tensions being reflected in digital policies, actions like these may become the norm rather than the exception. Whether this promotes peace or fuels further conflict depends on how both governments and digital platforms choose to respond.