India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading communally sensitive misinformation in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Acting on the recommendations of the Union Home Ministry, the government blocked these YouTube platforms, which collectively had over 63 million subscribers. The list includes channels of major Pakistani news outlets such as Geo News, Dawn, Raftar, Bol News, ARY News, Samaa TV, and Suno News.
The ban also extends to the YouTube channels of prominent journalists like Muneeb Farooq, Umar Cheema, Asma Shirazi, and Irshad Bhatti, along with platforms such as Uzair Cricket, The Pakistan Reference, Razi Naama, and Samaa Sports.
According to government sources, these channels were found spreading provocative, communally charged narratives, and false information targeting India, its Army, and security forces.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which left 26 people dead. Investigations at the attack site are ongoing, with National Investigation Agency (NIA) teams, led by senior officials, questioning eyewitnesses and intensifying evidence collection.
The attack has triggered widespread anger across India, leading to nationwide protests demanding stronger action against Pakistan. In response, India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty and visa services for Pakistani citizens. Pakistan, in turn, has threatened to reconsider all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement.
Meanwhile, the Indian government expressed strong objections to the BBC, specifically to its India head Jackie Martin, over the broadcaster’s reporting on the Pahalgam incident. Officials criticized BBC for referring to the attackers as "militants" rather than "terrorists," and a letter of concern was formally sent.
Additionally, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on April 26 issued an advisory instructing Indian media outlets to avoid live coverage of defence operations and security forces' movements.
