Centre bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels after Pahalgam attack

The central government has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets like Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, BOL News, Geo News and GNN for spreading provocative and misleading content against India, its Army, and security agencies. The action, initiated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting based on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs comes in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead, most of them being tourists. 

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Officials stated that these YouTube channels, with a combined subscriber base of over 63 million have been blocked in India and warned that further action would be taken against any platforms disseminating false narratives. Individuals like Shoaib Akhtar, Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema and Muneeb Farooq are among those whose channels have been banned. 

Additionally, the government has written to BBC over its reporting on the Pahalgam incident, objecting to its terminology and coverage. The Ministry of External Affairs’ XP Division (External Publicity and Public Diplomacy) has conveyed strong objections to BBC’s India Head and will continue monitoring the outlet’s reporting. 

Following the attack, India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty, ordered the removal of Pakistani nationals, and is responding to continuous firing from Pakistani forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed strict action against those responsible, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation.