Hania Aamir.
Instagram.
The recent ban of the Instagram accounts of various Pakistani celebrities has led to some dedicated fans using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access the social media accounts of their favourite Pakistani celebs. A VPN is a tool that allows users to change their IP’s geolocation. This allows users to access content that may not be available in their country.
One of these celebrities is Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. She has had a sizable following in India and has been a focal point of discussions and humour in the midst of rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
For instance, the news of India suspending the Indus Waters treaty led to a few individuals creating humorous reels about sending her parcels of water. Now, many of her fans are using VPNs to reach out to her on Instagram.
One Indian fan commented on her account, "Hello Hania, VPN ka subscription liya hai sirf aapke liye (I have subscribed to a VPN just for you). Love from India." Another fan asked her not to worry as Indians will use a VPN to access her content, to which she replied "Ro doongi (I will cry)" to express her emotions.
She has been receiving various similar comments, showing that Indian fans continue to express their support for their favourite Pakistani celebrities despite the social media ban.
The ban on the social media accounts of Pakistani celebrities comes in light of a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on 22nd April 2025. The attack killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and India has deemed Pakistan responsible for the attack.
The escalating diplomatic tension between India and Pakistan has led India to decide to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, expel Pakistani diplomats from India and suspend Pakistani visas. The Indian government has also banned the content of Pakistani celebrities, including actors Hania Aamir, Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and singer Atif Aslam, in the country.