India Blocks X Account of Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

New Delhi: In a sharp diplomatic response following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, the Indian government has blocked access to the X (formerly Twitter) account of Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The move comes amid a series of stringent measures aimed at isolating Islamabad diplomatically for its alleged support of terrorism.

On Monday, the Indian government also banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels accused of spreading provocative, communally sensitive content and disinformation targeting India. These actions mark a growing digital and diplomatic crackdown in response to Pakistan’s continued involvement in cross-border terrorism.

Explosive Admission by Khawaja Asif Goes Viral

Tensions escalated after a viral video clip showed Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitting Pakistan’s long-standing role in funding and training terrorist organisations. Speaking to Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim, Asif stated:

“We have been doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades… and the West, including Britain… That was a mistake, and we suffered for that…”

He acknowledged that Pakistan’s support for terror groups, particularly during the Soviet-Afghan war and post-9/11 conflicts, led to the country’s present-day challenges and reputational damage. The statement has reignited global concerns over Pakistan’s role as a terror sponsor state.

India’s Diplomatic Retaliation

In response to the April 22 terror attack and Asif’s admission, the Indian government has announced several decisive diplomatic measures:

• Closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, halting cross-border movement.
• Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, with a 40-hour deadline for their return.
• Reduction in diplomatic staff at High Commissions in New Delhi and Islamabad.
• Halting of the Indus Waters Treaty, the historic 1960 agreement between India and Pakistan for sharing of the Indus river waters.

These measures underline India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and mark one of the most comprehensive diplomatic crackdowns on Pakistan in recent years.

Broader Implications

The blocking of Asif’s X account and curbs on digital propaganda outlets reflect a coordinated push to curb anti-India narratives online and demand accountability for state-backed terror. Analysts see this as a prelude to further international pressure on Pakistan in global forums, including the UN and FATF.