India Blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels, Including Shoaib Akhtar’s, Over Anti-India Content
In a sweeping crackdown after the Pahalgam terror attack, India has blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels — including Shoaib Akhtar’s — for spreading provocative, anti-India content, sources said.
The Indian government has blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including prominent news outlets and public figures, for allegedly promoting misinformation and communal disharmony following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Sources in the government revealed that the ban was implemented based on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs after an assessment found these platforms spreading provocative narratives against India, the Indian Army, and national security agencies.
The banned channels, collectively commanding around 63 million subscribers, include Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Geo News, Raftar, and Suno News. Personal YouTube channels of journalists like Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq have also been taken down for Indian users. Former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube channel was among those blocked.
The move follows the brutal Pahalgam attack on April 22, where terrorists killed 26 individuals, including tourists and a local resident. The government said the banned YouTube channels were attempting to “foment communal tensions” and “spread false narratives” about the tragedy.
Indian users trying to access these platforms now encounter a notice: “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.” A link to the Google Transparency Report is provided for further details.
In a related development, the government issued a stern warning to BBC, objecting to the use of the term “militants” for terrorists involved in the Pahalgam massacre. In a letter to BBC, authorities stated that such terminology trivializes acts of terror and disrespects the victims.
Officials said they would continue to monitor BBC’s reporting on Kashmir-related issues and take further steps if necessary.
The action against Pakistani channels comes amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions, with India launching diplomatic offensives and security measures after the Pahalgam attack.
Authorities have emphasized that misinformation campaigns, particularly online, pose a serious threat to public order, especially during periods of national grief and security challenges.
Government sources indicated that surveillance of online platforms will continue and warned that further action could be taken against any domestic or foreign outlets spreading misinformation against India.
“India remains committed to ensuring that its citizens are not exposed to content that threatens national security or public harmony,” a senior official said.
