India blocks Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s X account after Pahalgam terror attack

The Indian government has withheld the X (formerly Twitter) account of Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif from Indian users following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir. The move marks a sharp escalation in India’s response to what it views as Pakistan's role in promoting terrorism across the region.

This action comes just a day after India banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels with a combined reach of over 63 million subscribers. The channels were accused of spreading provocative, communal, and anti-India content, especially after the April 22 attack in Kashmir’s popular resort town.

Adding to the diplomatic firestorm was Asif’s controversial statement in a recent television interview, where he appeared to admit Pakistan’s longstanding policy of supporting, training, and funding terrorist groups. Speaking to Sky News, Asif said, “We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades,” referencing Pakistan’s deep involvement in proxy conflicts and militant sponsorship.

India used the statement to launch a scathing diplomatic offensive. During a UN event for the ‘Victims of Terrorism Association Network’, India’s deputy permanent representative, Yojna Patel, cited Asif’s remarks as a direct confession of state-sponsored terrorism. She labelled Pakistan a “rogue state” and called on the global community to stop ignoring Islamabad’s actions.

The Ministry of External Affairs also expressed concerns about biased international media coverage. In particular, the BBC came under scrutiny for referring to the Pahalgam terrorists as "militants," which officials say dilutes the severity of the act and fuels misinformation.

This latest diplomatic standoff further inflames already tense India-Pakistan relations, with New Delhi doubling down on its zero-tolerance policy toward platforms, individuals, and narratives it perceives as legitimising terrorism or glorifying violent actors.