India Bans 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels After Pahalgam Attack

India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including several major news outlets and well-known personalities, accusing them of spreading false and provocative content. This move followed the Pahalgam terror attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22, where 26 people lost their lives.

The Indian government blocked Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube channel, which has over 3.5 million subscribers. Authorities also targeted other major Pakistani platforms like Geo News, ARY News, Dawn News, Bol News, Samaa TV, and Raftar. Altogether, these blocked channels had around 63 million subscribers in India.

Indian Claims YouTube Channels Share Misleading Information

Indian officials claim these YouTube channels were sharing misleading information about India, its army, and security agencies. They also accused the channels of promoting content that could incite religious tension and disrupt peace. The Ministry of Home Affairs said they acted to protect national security and maintain social harmony.

Many critics, however, have called this ban a form of censorship. They believe India is trying to suppress Pakistan’s viewpoint, especially regarding Kashmir. The ban also affected the YouTube channels of several independent Pakistani journalists like Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq, who have openly questioned India’s handling of Kashmir-related issues.

Pakistanis have strongly criticized the ban, saying India is trying to silence voices that present an alternative to its official narrative. They argue that these YouTube channels played a key role in offering different perspectives, especially during sensitive events like the Pahalgam attack.

Ban of YouTube Channels Escalate Tension

The ban has further strained the already tense relationship between India and Pakistan, particularly over the Kashmir conflict. Pakistan continues to accuse India of committing human rights violations in the region. The Pahalgam incident, which targeted innocent tourists, has sparked more debate about security and rising extremism in the area.

Many observers believe India aims to control the flow of information rather than address real threats. For example, Indian authorities recently asked the BBC to stop using the word “militants” in its coverage of the Pahalgam attack. This shows India’s aggressive response to global media that doesn’t follow its preferred narrative.

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Pakistan has urged the international community to pay attention to the growing restrictions on press freedom in India. In today’s digital age, where platforms like YouTube help spread news and different opinions, blocking access to these platforms harms free speech and prevents people from understanding all sides of an issue.

This situation highlights a growing digital battle between the two countries—one that affects how millions of people receive and share information.