In a strong move following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading provocative, communally sensitive, and misleading narratives targeting India, its Army, and security agencies, officials said on Monday. The action was taken on the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs after the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.
Officials confirmed that alongside the YouTube ban, the government has formally written to the BBC, criticizing its choice to refer to terrorists as “militants” in its coverage of the tragedy.
“The Government of India has banned Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false narratives, and misinformation against India and its security forces,” an official statement said.
The blocked channels include major Pakistani media outlets and prominent YouTubers such as Dawn News, Irshad Bhatti, SAMAA TV, ARY News, BOL News, Raftar, The Pakistan Referenc, Geo News, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News, and Razi Naama.
The government’s stern measures highlight a growing intolerance towards disinformation campaigns and media narratives that are seen as undermining India’s security and sovereignty.
