India Bans 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels
In a decisive move to curb the spread of misinformation, the Government of India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major media outlets such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News to Tightens Oversight on Pakistani Media After Pahalgam Terror Attack
These channels were found disseminating provocative, communally sensitive content and promoting false narratives against India, its Army, and its security agencies in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
The banned channels together had a subscriber base exceeding 63 million.
Expansion of the Ban Beyond Official Numbers
Although the government has officially confirmed the ban of 16 channels, on-ground observations suggest that the action extends to a much wider range of Pakistani content creators.
Several other prominent Pakistani YouTube channels, particularly from the sports and entertainment sectors, have also been restricted in India.
Ban on Pakistani Sports Youtuber
A number of popular Pakistani sports-related YouTube channels have reportedly been blocked, including:
- Shoaib Akhtar
- Basit Ali
- Rizwan Haider
- Wassay Habib
- Caught Behind
- Appka Mohsin Ali
- Arsalan Naseer
- Sports Central
- Hasna Mana Hai
- Tanveer Says
- Furqan Bhatti
- BBN SPORTS (Bakri)
This development significantly curtails the reach of Pakistani sports commentary and fan engagement in India.
Ban on Pakistani Street Interviews and Public Reaction Channels
YouTube channels specializing in public opinion and street interviews have also been affected.
For instance, Sana Amjad’s channel, known for capturing public sentiment in Pakistan, has been blocked for allegedly circulating provocative and sensitive content.
Ban on Pakistani Political Commentators and Journalists
The crackdown extends to several prominent Pakistani political commentators and journalists, including:
- Arzoo Kazmi
- Irshad Bhatti
- Asma Shirazi
- Umar Cheema
- Muneeb Farooq
Authorities flagged these individuals for promoting misleading narratives and amplifying anti-India sentiments.
List of Pakistani News Channels Blocked
Several major Pakistani news outlets have also been restricted, namely:
- Dawn News
- Samaa TV
- ARY News
- Bol News
- Raftar News
- Geo News
- Suno News
These organizations were found to be consistently publishing content that could inflame communal tensions or destabilize public order.
Government Advisory to Indian Media Channels
On the domestic front, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a fresh advisory to Indian media houses on April 26, 2025.
Key guidelines include:
- Strict prohibition on live coverage of ongoing defence operations.
- Bans on real-time visuals and footage showing troop movements.
- Avoidance of reporting based on unverified sources regarding defence activities.
The advisory comes amid reports of the government preparing for major anti-terrorist operations in response to the Pahalgam attack.
India’s Growing Information Security Strategy
This sweeping action against Pakistani content creators and foreign media outlets signals a more aggressive information security posture by India.
Government officials emphasized their commitment to:
- Prevent the spread of misinformation,
- Safeguard national security,
- Protect the unity and stability of the country.
The current move is being seen as one of the largest-scale content bans in India’s history, underlining the government’s seriousness in countering hostile information warfare.
Developing Story
While an official, comprehensive list of all banned Pakistani channels and content creators is yet to be released, it is evident that the Indian government is moving decisively in this direction.
Observers note that further actions may be announced as India continues to strengthen its information and media security framework.
