The directive, which cites national security concerns, was issued as India continues its post-terror attack operations, including Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The advisory has led to a sudden disappearance of popular Pakistani titles from Indian streaming libraries.
The official advisory issued Thursday evening states:
"In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect." As of Friday, a quick search on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, and JioCinema shows that Pakistani content has been completely pulled down.
Earlier, shows like Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Humsafar, and Dastaan were available for Indian audiences on Netflix and Zee’s streaming arm Zindagi. However, those titles have now vanished. Even the much-anticipated drama Barzakh, starring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, which was set to stream on Zee5, has been pulled ahead of its expected launch.
A source close to Zee told India Today that platforms had started removing Pakistani shows as a precautionary measure even before the advisory came into effect. “The move was taken to avoid controversy amid rising public sentiment and security concerns,” they said. Interestingly, YouTube had already blocked popular Pakistani channels like Hum TV and ARY Digital in India earlier this year. Additionally, 16 other YouTube channels were banned for allegedly spreading misinformation or biased content against India.
While most TV and web content from Pakistan has been removed, music content such as Coke Studio Pakistan and individual artist tracks are still accessible to Indian audiences. A trade source noted that: “There’s a grey area here. The advisory is about content of Pakistani origin. But what about Pakistani artists performing in Indian-produced shows? Or global brands like Coke Studio? Enforcement will take time, and clearer guidelines are expected in the coming days.”
The move has received mixed responses. Actress Rupali Ganguly slammed Fawad Khan for calling Operation Sindoor “shameful,” stating, “You working in India was shameful.” On the other hand, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma issued a statement praising the Indian Army’s swift response to Pakistan’s missile threats, saying they are “eternally grateful.” Meanwhile, social media has seen an upsurge in calls for complete cultural disengagement, with hashtags like #BoycottPakContent, #SupportIndianArmy, and #OTTBan trending.
The OTT advisory is being seen as part of a broader national strategy to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and culturally, following acts of cross-border terrorism and military provocation. While Pakistani artists and content once enjoyed massive popularity in India, the latest move could spell a long-term freeze in cultural exchange. Until further clarification, streaming platforms are likely to err on the side of caution, avoiding any Pakistani-associated programming. For now, the digital doors have closed on Pakistan-origin entertainment in India and how long they remain closed will depend on the evolving geopolitical climate.
