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.

Opinion

Editorial

War & deception
Updated 09 Mar, 2026

War & deception

While there is little doubt that Iran is involved in many of the retaliatory attacks, the facts raise suspicions that another player may be at work.
The witness box
09 Mar, 2026

The witness box

IT is often the fear of the courtroom and what may transpire therein that drives many victims of crime, especially...
Asylum applications
09 Mar, 2026

Asylum applications

BRITAIN’S tough immigration posture has again drawn attention to the sharp rise in asylum claims by Pakistani...
Petrol shock
Updated 08 Mar, 2026

Petrol shock

With oil markets bracing for more volatility, more price shocks are inevitable in the coming weeks.
Women’s Day
08 Mar, 2026

Women’s Day

IT is a simple truth: societies progress when women are able to shape them. Yet the struggle for equality has never...
Rescuing hockey
08 Mar, 2026

Rescuing hockey

PAKISTAN hockey is back to where it should be. Years of misses came to an end on Friday with a long-awaited...