ISLAMABAD – In yet another blow to free expression and diplomatic decorum, India has blocked the X (formerly Twitter) account of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator and former federal minister Sherry Rehman, amid heightened hostilities between the two South Asian neighbours.
The restriction follows escalating tensions in the wake of a military confrontation despite an earlier ceasefire. Without presenting concrete evidence, New Delhi had accused Pakistan of involvement in the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on May 6.
Pakistan, citing the need to defend its sovereignty, responded with force — a retaliation that, according to official sources, included downing six Indian fighter jets (including three Rafale), disabling an S-400 missile system, and launching significant cyber operations.
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In response to her account being withheld in India, Rehman took to X, labelling the move a “badge of honour.” She criticized the Narendra Modi-led government, referring to it as the “Hindutva Republic,” and emphasized the shrinking space for peace-loving voices within India.
“Communication is key for stable, mature states — but to be blocked by the #HindutvaRepublic is a badge of honour,” Rehman posted publicly.
An official notification from X confirmed that her account was withheld in India under a legal removal request from the Indian government, citing provisions of its Information Technology Act, 2000. The content remains visible outside India.
India’s crackdown on Pakistani voices has not stopped with Sherry Rehman. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have also had their X accounts blocked in India.
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Rehman expressed concern over India’s growing digital censorship, stating:
“There is little to say to people who question the existence of Pakistan. Sane people should still continue talking in both countries to not erase history or peaceful coexistence.”
She also reaffirmed the need for political dialogue, saying,
“There are no military solutions to Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, or the other bilateral issues plaguing the region.”
