Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has banned sixteen Pakistani YouTube channels with a combined subscriber base of 63 million for allegedly spreading provocative and communally sensitive content, according to government sources. The action was taken on the recommendation of the Union Home Ministry.
Among the banned platforms are the YouTube channels of major Pakistani news outlets such as Dawn, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News, and Suno News. Individual channels belonging to journalists like Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq were also blocked. Additionally, channels such as The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Razi Naama have been restricted.
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Sources indicate that these channels were disseminating provocative narratives, false information, and anti-India propaganda targeting the Indian Army and security agencies, exacerbating tensions in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, where 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri were brutally killed by terrorists.
When attempting to access these channels, users now encounter the message: “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order. For more details about government removal requests, please visit the Google Transparency Report (transparencyreport.google.com).”
India has intensified its response against Pakistan, which it suspects played a role in the Pahalgam attack. Measures taken include suspending the Indus Water Treaty and halting visa services for Pakistani citizens. In retaliation, Islamabad has warned that it could suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed that those responsible for the April 22 attack will face consequences beyond their imagination. He affirmed India’s commitment to identifying, tracking, and punishing every terrorist and their supporters, emphasizing, “This attack targeted not just innocent tourists but the soul of India itself.” He added, “The will of 140 crore Indians will crush the backbone of terror masterminds.”
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Additionally, the Indian government has issued a warning to the BBC over a controversial headline that read, “Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists.” Critics pointed out that the wording suggested India was responsible for the attack.
The External Publicity Department of the Ministry of External Affairs has conveyed India’s strong objections to Jackie Martin, the BBC’s India head. A formal letter criticizing the BBC for referring to terrorists as “militants” has also been sent, and officials have stated they will continue to monitor the BBC’s coverage closely.