Facebook on Tuesday removed actor Hamza Ali Abbasi's post in which he praised a deceased separatist commander killed by Indian forces in Indian-held Kashmir.
The social media platform had suspended Abbasi's account following the post, but later restored the account after the post had been removed.
"Look at this man. He is not an ISI agent, he is not a Mullah inspired Pakistani funded militant. He is Burhan Wani Shaheed. A KASHMIRI who joined the freedom struggle of Kashmir when his brother was killed by Indian Army. If KASHMIR issue is not resolved according to the will of Kashmiris and UN Resolutions, we have another PALESTINE in the making right in our backyard. #IAmBurhanWani #BurhanWaniShaheed #Kashmir," said the status update on Abbasi's Facebook before it was removed.
"Its absurd how the flag bearers of "Freedom of Speech" act in this way for raising a voice for victims of aggression, said Abbasi while speaking to Dawn.com
Abbasi's praise for Wani comes at a time when the disputed valley of Kashmir is rocked by violent protests and a severe crackdown is underway by Indian forces against the media and its Muslim-majority population.
Pakistan had also condemned what it termed the 'extra-judicial' killing of Hizbul Mujahideen separatist commander Burhan Wani by government forces in IHK.
Wani, from the new generation of separatists in IHK, and had used social media as an effective platform to further the cause he was fighting for. He had become a rallying point for the youth in IHK, and following his death, the valley has been rocked by daily protests and curfew, a situation which has led to hundreds of injuries and tens of dead.
Abbasi is no stranger to controversy and is vocal on social media regarding politics and social issues. In his previous run in with Facebook, his Facebook status was removed following the Chalie Hebdo attack.
The actor was also banned by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) in Ramazan from hosting his show following controversial remarks passed by him.
