India Blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels After Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a decisive move to safeguard national security, India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The banned platforms, with a combined subscriber base of approximately 63 million, include major Pakistani news outlets such as Dawn News, ARY News, Samaa TV, Geo News, Bol News, Suno News, and Raftar.

Prominent journalist-run channels by Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq have also been blocked for spreading provocative, false narratives aimed at inciting communal tensions. Other banned channels include The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Razi Naama. Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube channel, with over 3.5 million subscribers, has also been restricted.

This action, recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs, comes in response to findings that these platforms were disseminating misinformation, particularly in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 25 tourists and one Kashmiri local lost their lives. Indian users trying to access these channels are now met with a message citing restrictions under national security orders, as detailed by YouTube’s transparency guidelines.

Additionally, the Indian government has objected to the BBC’s coverage of the Pahalgam attack. In a formal letter to BBC India head Jackie Martin, authorities criticized the use of the term “militants” instead of “terrorists,” affirming that India will continue monitoring BBC’s reportage closely.