'You're the squirrel from Ice Age': Pak actor blames Fawad Khan for Instagram bans in India

Pakistani actor Arsalan Naseer has sparked controversy by blaming fellow actor Fawad Khan for the restriction of Pakistani celebrities’ Instagram accounts in India.

In a sarcastic post shared across his social media platforms, Naseer referenced Fawad Khan’s latest film Abir Gulaal with Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, implying that the collaboration may have led to the bans. “Fawad bhai film ap ne ki... masla border pe shuru ho gaya... ban mai ho gaya,” he wrote, suggesting that tensions escalated after the film’s release. He added a pointed remark: “Mind na kerna lekin aap wo Ice Age wali gilehri hain” — comparing Fawad to the unlucky squirrel character from the Ice Age animated franchise.

The post comes amid a growing uproar over the inaccessibility of several Pakistani celebrities' Instagram profiles in India. Affected accounts include those of Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, and Sajal Aly. Users in India attempting to view these pages are met with the message: “This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”

These developments coincide with rising diplomatic tensions following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which claimed 26 lives, including 25 tourists. The timing has led to speculation about a link between the Instagram restrictions and the broader geopolitical fallout.

However, it’s worth noting that not all Pakistani celebrity accounts have been blocked. Fawad Khan, Atif Aslam, Mawra Hocane, and Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan still have their profiles visible to Indian users. No official connection has been made between the film Abir Gulaal and the platform restrictions.

Naseer’s remarks have ignited debate online, with some supporting his criticism and others calling it unfounded. While the exact reasons behind the selective Instagram bans remain unclear, the incident highlights the growing digital divide between the two countries' entertainment industries amid political tensions.