Senator Sherry Rehman’s X (formerly Twitter) account has been blocked in India, following a legal request from the Indian government under the Information Technology Act, 2000. This move comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the Pahalgam incident in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir on May 6, 2025.
Background of the Block
The Indian government initiated a military offensive against Pakistan on May 6, accusing Islamabad of involvement in the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan has denied these allegations, asserting that the accusations lack credible evidence. In response, Pakistan launched Operation Swift Retort, targeting Indian military installations across the Line of Control. Pakistan’s actions reportedly resulted in the downing of six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets and an S-400 missile defense system, as well as cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.
In the aftermath, Senator Rehman received a notification from X informing her that her account had been withheld in India due to a legal removal request from the Indian government. The notification cited the Information Technology Act, 2000, as the basis for the action.
Rehman’s Response
Senator Rehman condemned the blocking of her account, describing it as a “badge of honour” and a reflection of India’s growing insecurity. She stated, “India has changed existentially,” and emphasized that mature nations do not block voices across nuclear fault lines. Rehman criticized India’s attempts to suppress dissenting voices and labelled the action as part of a broader campaign to stifle opposition narratives.
Previously, the Indian government had also blocked the X accounts of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. Rehman condemned these actions as well, calling them clear acts of digital aggression and political panic by the Modi government. She argued that such measures reveal India’s growing insecurity and inability to handle dissenting voices from Pakistan.
India’s use of the Information Technology Act to block foreign accounts raises concerns about internet censorship and freedom of expression. The Act grants the government broad powers to block content deemed offensive or harmful to national security. Critics argue that such measures can be used to suppress dissent and control the narrative, especially during periods of heightened political tension.
The blocking of Rehman’s account also underscores the growing use of digital platforms as tools for political warfare. Both India and Pakistan have increasingly turned to social media to project their narratives and counter opposing viewpoints. The silencing of prominent political figures on these platforms can limit public discourse and hinder efforts to promote dialogue and understanding.
Broader Context
The blocking of Rehman’s X account is part of a broader pattern of digital censorship in India. The Indian government has previously used the Information Technology Act to block access to various websites and online content, citing reasons related to national security and public order. While the government asserts that these measures are necessary to protect the nation, critics argue that they often infringe upon fundamental rights and freedoms.
Rehman has consistently used her platform to highlight issues related to Kashmir, water rights, and regional security. Her outspoken criticism of India’s policies, particularly regarding the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, has made her a prominent voice in the discourse surrounding Indo-Pakistani relations. The blocking of her account may be seen as an attempt to silence dissent and control the narrative on these critical issues.
The blocking of Senator Sherry Rehman’s X account in India marks a significant development in the ongoing digital and political tensions between the two countries. While the Indian government justifies the action under national security laws, critics view it as an attempt to suppress dissent and control the narrative. As both nations continue to navigate their complex relationship, the role of digital platforms in shaping public discourse and influencing political outcomes will likely remain a contentious issue.
