16 Pakistani YouTube Channels Banned Post Pahalgam Terror Attack

India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels over Pahalgam terror attack misinformation

In the wake of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives and left dozens injured, India has banned 16 Pakistan-based YouTube channels for allegedly spreading provocative, communally sensitive misinformation, according to government sources.
 
The move, initiated on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs, comes amid heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Major News Outlets and Journalists Targeted

The banned channels include major Pakistani news outlets like Geo News, Dawn News, ARY News, Bol News, Samaa TV, Raftar, and Suno News. YouTube channels operated by other influential journalists like Muneeb Farooq, Umar Cheema, Asma Shirazi, and Irshad Bhatti were also blocked.

Other websites blocked include Uzair Cricket, The Pakistan Reference, Razi Naama, and Samaa Sports. These channels collectively had an audience of approximately 63 million subscribers.

Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube Channel Blocked

The YouTube channel of erstwhile Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, boasting over 3.5 million subscribers, was blocked as well. Official sources stated the government was concerned by the spread of false information and attempts to trigger communal riots as the basic motives behind the blanket ban.

Subscribers trying to access these channels are now being notified that the content has been blocked as per a government directive regarding national security and public order.

Escalation Along LoC Amid Rising Tensions

The terror strike in Pahalgam, targeting tourists and residents, has been termed one of the worst in Jammu and Kashmir since the Pulwama blast in 2019. After the heinous attack, Pakistani forces have allegedly resorted to repeated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch and Kupwara regions for four consecutive nights, which put further strain on bilateral ties.

Protests broke out across the country calling for stronger action against Pakistan. In Karnataka, people were detained after Pakistani flags were plastered on roads during protests condemning the terror attack.

India Rebukes BBC over Coverage

Concurrently, the government of India has also accused the BBC of its reporting on the attack at Pahalgam. Authorities protested at the network applying the term ‘militants’ instead of ‘terrorists’ to those responsible for the attack. News Delhi made this known in a forceful worded letter to the head of the BBC in India, Jackie Martin, and noted it would go on watching the broadcaster’s report closely.

Strategic Move to Combat Propaganda

Officials pointed out that the Pakistani digital channel ban is part of a larger action to prevent misinformation and ensure greater national security. The government has asserted that it will continue to act against any platforms that circulate false information or try to stir communal tensions.