SRINAGAR (J&K): With tensions escalating between both the countries, India and Pakistan, the internet has become a theatre of battle of wits as a “Meme War” unfolds over Indian government’s announcement to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and ensure “not a of water” flows from India into Pakistan.
Following the deadly attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam meadows which killed 26 people, mostly tourists on April 22, 2025, India accused Pakistan of supporting the assault, though Pakistani denies it, and responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, an important water-sharing agreement that had since 1960 that allocates the waters of the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab rivers
Amidst an escalation in bilateral tensions, India hinted at using river flows as retaliation, provoking strong warnings from Pakistan, which depends on the rivers for 80% of its agriculture.
As tensions began to flare up between two nuclear neighbours, netizens are infusing the tensions with humour and a meme war.
At the centre of this digital battlefield is Pakistani actor and influencer Hania Aamir, popular in both countries. Her rising popularity and social media presence has inadvertently turned her into a symbol of both humour and emotion across the border.
In a now viral video, an Indian man was seen sending a box filled with water bottles to Haniya Amir from India.
What started as playful banter quickly turned into a meme war, with videos and images of many Pakistani actors like Hania Amir’s being repurposed to stoke nationalist fervour, challenge narratives, and even call for peace.
The charges against artists like ‘Neha and Medusa’ have sparked criticism from free speech advocates and fellow creators, who argue that such actions reflect the shrinking space for artistic dissent in politically sensitive environments.
Memes as Modern-Day Satire
Memes have transcended their initial role as ‘mere humorous content.’ In the context of India-Pakistan relations, they serve as a mirror to societal sentiments, political critiques, and calls for introspection. The youth from both the countries harness memes to voice opinions, challenge narratives, and foster dialogues that might be suppressed in traditional media.
For instance, many other users were seen sharing comments on war like, war is not a joke and should not happen. Though memes dominate the digital landscape, other forms of artistic expression are also playing pivotal roles in this discourse.
Pakistani author and satirist Mohammed Hanif released a video titled “Pani Band Mat Karna,” blending humour with poignant commentary on the absurdities of war and the need for dialogue. In the video in Punjabi, Hanif talked about both the countries having powers and nuclear weapons but still they want to fight, where he blended humour and supported peace with video.
On the Indian side, artists like Neha and Medusa face sedition charges for their videos advocating peace and critiquing militaristic narratives.
Their experiences underscore challenges artists face when their work intersects with political sensitivities yet also highlight the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change.
The charges against artists like ‘Neha and Medusa’ have sparked criticism from free speech advocates and fellow creators, who argue that such actions reflect the shrinking space for artistic dissent in politically sensitive environments.
Many see these developments as evidence of how art, though powerful enough to provoke thought and inspire change, increasingly risks being silenced when it challenges dominant narratives.
“The cases against Rathore and Kakoti underscore how easily serious criminal charges can be filed in India, particularly against individuals lacking significant financial resources or political patronage,” wrote Dr Brijesh Rai, a legal expert on his LinkedIn post.
Their persecution is also being lampooned by cartoonists.
The meme war, meanwhile, while often humorous, underscores a broader truth: in the digital age, no frontline is too small, and no influencer too distant, to escape the weight of geopolitical drama.
The Double-Edged Sword of Digital Platforms
Social media platforms have always democratised content creation, allowing voices from all walks of life to contribute to national and international dialogues. However, this democratisation also brings challenges. Content can be misinterpreted, taken out of context, or weaponised to serve specific agendas.
There is also historical precedent to this soft cross-border chatter. After the 1965 war, All India Radio launched an Urdu-language broadcast ‘Awaz De Kahan’ named after the song “Awaz de Kahan, Duniya meri jawan hai” from the film, Anmol Ghadi and sung by the singer and actress Noor Jahan.
Dark Memes
On the one hand the memes are a channel of peace talk, on the other, dark memes are invoking the war to point out its absurdity.
“Who will perform in the opening ceremony of War, read a comment of a Pakistani influencer in a viral reel. “I have spoken with Ustaad Chahat Fatei Ali Khan, and he will perform,” he says in a short video.
The comment section is also flooded not just by his countrymen but by Indian users, too.
“Take Tony Kakkar and give Atif Aslam,” one Indian replies, “you can take Neha along with Tony in exchange for Atif Aslam.”
This accidental dialogue between ‘enemies’ isn’t happening at diplomatic tables, but in the endless scroll of social media feeds.
Instagram reels and memes from Pakistan are unexpectedly drawing laughter and interest from Indian users, with another user was seen saying in a viral reel “Jung Ko Jaldi Se Karo, 1stSe school Be Jana Hai.”
Netizens in both countries are cracking jokes about water shortages as India suspends the Indus Waters Treaty, prepping “fit checks” for war, and wondering aloud whether to study for school exams or prepare for doomsday.
In one reel, a Pakistani teenager says, “Please restart the Indus motor for a bit, I need to do skincare.” A comment from an India in response: “Let me talk to Modi Ji; no messing with skincare.”
AIR's Urdu Service Becomes A Bridge
Meanwhile these ‘war memes’ are less about war and more about life itself.
There is also historical precedent to this soft cross-border chatter. After the 1965 war, All India Radio launched an Urdu-language broadcast ‘Awaz De Kahan’ named after the song “Awaz de Kahan, Duniya meri jawan hai” from the film, 'Anmol Ghadi' and sung by the singer and actress Noor Jahan.
It was aimed at West Pakistan. But surprisingly, it became a bridge for Indians and Pakistanis to exchange letters and memories.
While intended as a tool of soft power, these broadcasts unexpectedly fostered emotional connections across the border. In this program, the anchor, Abdul Jabbar, played Hindi film songs from pre-Partition days and read excerpts of contemporary letters from Indian and Pakistani listeners.
In 1974, broadcaster Abdul Jabbar read a letter, on the programme, from Mohammed Shafi of Karachi, asking ‘if someone could tell him if his former hometown of Bulanshahar in India still has large mango orchards. A few months later, Jabbar read a response to that letter from a listener in Bulandshahar who wrote about the city’s orchards and reassured Shafi and other listeners that Bulandshahr’s mangoes were as tasty as then as they had been before partition.
“Back then it was radio; today it is reels,” said a local from Srinagar, as commenting on the trend, adding the human instinct remains to connect, to share, to feel.
‘War’ Online, Peace in Soul
While state rhetoric grows shriller on both sides and media airwaves blare war fury, thousands of Instagram users are quietly subverting the narrative with comments like, “Scrolling through, I reached the other side of the border,” and “I saw Pakistan right away from my home, great.”
The message is subtle but powerful: for all the talk of war, there’s still room for humour, humanity, and heart.
Crazy India Pakistan standoff In London
Following the Pahalgam attack fallout, the tensions between two countries reverberated even in London, where a physical standoff unfolded between the people of both countries.
Hundreds of Indian and Pakistani origin supporters gathered outside the High Commission of Pakistan in London, and protested against each other. In viral videos, people were seen dancing and exchanging comments, over the Pahalgam incident.
The mood of the slogans, however, was driven by war frenzy and belligerence.
“Kashmir Hamara Hai,” Indians claimed, “Kashmir Hamara Hai,” Pakistanis Claimed.” as both sides danced.
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