India Blocks Pakistani Defence Minister’s X Account Amid Rising Tensions
New Delhi, April 29, 2025 — The Indian government has taken decisive action against what it deems as the spread of misinformation and fake news by blocking the X account of Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. This move comes in the wake of a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, and significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. The blocking of Asif’s account follows a similar measure taken against 16 Pakistani YouTube channels with a combined subscriber base of 63 million, which were banned in India for disseminating "provocative and communally sensitive content".
The Indian government’s decision to withhold access to Asif’s X account within India is a direct response to what it perceives as the minister’s dissemination of disinformation and fake news regarding the Pahalgam terror attack and the broader situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Users attempting to access Asif’s account within India are met with a message indicating the account’s restricted status due to a legal demand. This action underscores the growing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The Pahalgam attack has ignited widespread outrage and calls for a strong retaliatory response against Pakistan. Amid this charged atmosphere, Minister Asif has made several pronouncements that have further fueled the fire. He claimed an imminent Indian military strike, asserting that Pakistan had reinforced its forces in anticipation of such action. This statement, coupled with other provocative remarks, heightened anxieties and contributed to the decision to block his X account.
Adding fuel to the flames, the Pakistani Defence Minister, in an interview with a British news channel, acknowledged Pakistan’s long-standing support for terrorist groups. He confessed to Pakistan’s involvement in "dirty work" on behalf of Western powers, including the US, UK, and others, over several decades. He admitted to funding and backing terror outfits, describing it as a mistake that has cost Pakistan dearly. This admission has further strained relations with India, which has long accused Pakistan of harboring and supporting terrorist organizations.
In response to the Pahalgam attack and the escalating tensions, India has implemented a series of measures against Pakistan. These actions include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial water-sharing agreement between the two countries, signifying the severity of the situation. Furthermore, India has shut down the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a major border crossing point, further restricting movement and trade between the countries. Visa issuance for Pakistani nationals has been suspended, and the diplomatic presence at the High Commissions has been scaled down. These measures reflect the Indian government’s strong stance against what it perceives as Pakistan’s complicity in terrorism.
The blockage of the Pakistani Defence Minister’s X account and the ban on Pakistani YouTube channels highlight the growing role of social media in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion during times of conflict. The Indian government’s actions signify a concerted effort to control the spread of information it considers detrimental to national security and social harmony. However, these moves also raise concerns about freedom of speech and the potential for censorship. The escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, fueled by the Pahalgam attack and exacerbated by online rhetoric, underscore the critical need for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent further conflict. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both countries to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions.