India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, collectively boasting 63 million subscribers, for spreading inflammatory and communally sensitive content following the Pahalgam terror attack, according to government officials. The ban was implemented on the recommendation of the Union Home Ministry.
The affected platforms include YouTube channels of prominent Pakistani news outlets such as Dawn, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News, and Suno News. Additionally, channels belonging to journalists like Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq have been taken down. Other banned handles include The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Razi Naama.
Government sources allege that these channels were disseminating provocative content, spreading false narratives, and promoting misinformation aimed at undermining India, its military, and security agencies. This comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri at the hands of terrorists.
When attempting to access these channels, users are met with a message stating: "This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order."
India has escalated its response, targeting Pakistan, which is suspected of playing a role in the attack. Measures include the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and halting visa services for Pakistani nationals. In retaliation, Pakistan has asserted its right to suspend bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed that the perpetrators behind the April 22 attack will face unimaginable consequences. He emphasized that India will track down and punish all those responsible and reaffirmed that the nation's spirit will not be broken. "From Kargil to Kanyakumari, the grief and anger are shared across the nation. This attack was an assault on India’s very soul," Modi said, adding, "The time has come to dismantle what remains of the terror sanctuaries."
In addition, the BBC has been cautioned over a controversial headline that suggested "India killed the tourists" after the deadly Kashmir attack. The Ministry of External Affairs communicated its strong objections to BBC India head Jackie Martin, and a formal letter was issued regarding the use of the term "militants" to describe the terrorists involved. The government has made it clear that it will monitor future BBC reporting on the matter.