Overview

• The April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, left 26 dead after assailants reportedly questioned victims about their religion before opening fire.
• Pakistani actress Mahira Khan initially condemned the attack in an Instagram story on April 24, calling it an act of 'cowardice' and expressing condolences for the victims.
• Mahira Khan deleted her post by April 25, with no explanation provided, prompting varied responses on social media and raising questions about cross-border cultural pressures.
• Several other Pakistani celebrities, including Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir, and Mawra Hocane, also condemned the attack, while some, like Farhan Saeed, criticized Indian media for allegedly spreading hate.
• The attack has reignited tensions between India and Pakistan, with Indian authorities and film industry bodies reinforcing bans on Pakistani artists and content.