India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels with a combined subscriber base of 63 million for allegedly spreading provocative, communally sensitive, and misleading content following the Pahalgam terror attack, government sources said. The action was taken on the recommendation of the Union Home Ministry.
Among the banned channels are major Pakistani news outlets such as Dawn, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News, and Suno News. The YouTube channels of prominent journalists Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq have also been blocked. Other banned platforms include The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Razi Naama.
Government sources claimed these channels were pushing provocative content, false narratives, and misinformation against India, its Army, and security agencies at a sensitive time, following the brutal April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where terrorists killed 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri.
Users attempting to access the banned channels are now met with a message stating the content is unavailable due to a government order citing national security and public order concerns. Google’s Transparency Report provides additional details.
India’s actions come amid a broader crackdown on Pakistan, which New Delhi suspects had a role in orchestrating the Pahalgam attack. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and halted visa services for Pakistani nationals. In response, Islamabad has threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, vowing that every terrorist and their supporters will be punished in ways they “cannot even imagine.” Addressing the nation, he said, “This attack was not just on innocent tourists — it was an attack on India’s soul. The spirit of 140 crore Indians will shatter the backbone of the masters of terror.”
Meanwhile, the government has formally warned the BBC over a controversial headline that appeared to imply India was responsible for the tourist killings. Officials conveyed India’s “strong sentiments” to BBC India Head Jackie Martin and have sent a formal letter objecting to the use of terms like “militants” instead of “terrorists.” Government sources said they will continue to monitor BBC’s coverage closely.
