In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, which together had a subscriber base of around 63 million. The Union Home Ministry recommended the action, citing concerns over the spread of inflammatory and misleading narratives that could disturb communal harmony.
The list of banned platforms features prominent Pakistani media organizations such as Dawn, ARY News, Bol News, Geo News, Raftar, Samaa TV, and Suno News. Additionally, personal YouTube channels run by journalists including Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq were also taken down. Channels like The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Razi Naama have also been restricted.
Authorities have accused these channels of circulating misinformation, spreading false narratives about India’s armed forces and security agencies, and provoking tensions following the tragedy in which 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri citizen lost their lives to terrorist gunfire.
Users trying to visit these YouTube pages in India are now greeted with a message indicating the content is blocked in the country due to government orders concerning national security or public order. Further details are available on Google’s Transparency Report portal.
India strengthens diplomatic response
Following the Pahalgam incident, India has taken a tougher diplomatic stand against Pakistan. New Delhi has put a hold on the Indus Waters Treaty and suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals. Meanwhile, Islamabad has responded by suggesting it might review other bilateral agreements, including the historic Simla Agreement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation, vowed that those behind the attack would face unprecedented consequences. Emphasizing the resilience of India’s spirit, he declared that the willpower of 140 crore citizens would defeat terrorism and dismantle any remaining terror safe havens.
He remarked, “This brutal attack was not merely an assault on tourists but an attack on India’s very soul. The time has come to wipe out what remains of the terrorist infrastructure.”
BBC cautioned over controversial Kashmir coverage
Meanwhile, the Indian government has also conveyed a strong objection to BBC over its reporting related to the Pahalgam attack. Officials objected to a headline that read, “Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists,” arguing it could mislead readers about the nature of the attack.
India’s External Publicity Division has formally expressed displeasure to BBC India’s chief, Jackie Martin. Additionally, a letter was sent criticizing BBC’s usage of terms such as “militants” instead of “terrorists” when referring to the perpetrators. Sources said India’s monitoring of BBC’s future reportage would be intensified.