India Blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels Over False Content Targeting Army and Security Forces

In a decisive move, the Indian government on Monday banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading provocative, communal, and misleading content aimed at targeting India’s security forces and national unity. The action came shortly after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians.

Ministry of Home Affairs Recommends Action

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recommended the ban after investigating the role of these channels in promoting false narratives following the Pahalgam attack. Officials stated that the misinformation posed a serious threat to India’s national security, public order, and foreign relations.

List of Banned Pakistani Channels

The banned YouTube channels include several prominent Pakistani media outlets and personalities, such as:

• Dawn News

• Irshad Bhatti

• SAMAA TV

• ARY News

• BOL News

• Raftar

• The Pakistan Reference

• Geo News

• Samaa Sports

• GNN

• Uzair Cricket

• Umar Cheema Exclusive

• Asma Shirazi

• Muneeb Farooq

• SUNO News HD

• Razi Naama

These platforms were collectively reaching a cumulative viewership exceeding 63.08 million viewers.

Channels Found Spreading False Narratives

According to government sources, the banned channels were heavily involved in spreading unverified and false information on sensitive topics including:

• The Indian Army’s activities

• The situation in Jammu and Kashmir

• India’s foreign policy stances

• Internal law and order issues

The content was seen as an attempt to create panic, fuel communal tensions, and disrupt public peace across the country.

Diplomatic Tensions Rise After the Attack

In the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched a strong diplomatic protest. Pakistan’s top diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, was summoned by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India also issued a Persona Non Grata notice to all Pakistani military attachés stationed in the capital.

Retaliatory Measures Announced by India

The attack, believed to have been carried out by the Pakistan-based terror outfit The Resistance Front, has sharply escalated tensions between the two countries. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced a series of strong retaliatory steps, including:

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan

• Closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing

• Cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals

• Expulsion of all Pakistani military attachés from New Delhi

• Reduction of diplomatic staff at both the Indian and Pakistani High Commissions

Modi Calls Attack a "Cowardly Act"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly assault on innocent civilians.” He emphasized that India would not tolerate terrorism sponsored from across the border and would take all necessary steps to safeguard national interests.

Broader Implications of the Ban

The blocking of these 16 YouTube channels reflects India's increasingly assertive stance in the digital space against cross-border misinformation and hybrid warfare tactics. Officials stress that the government remains committed to countering any form of propaganda that seeks to destabilize India's internal security and social harmony.

Conclusion

The Indian government's ban on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels marks a firm stand against misinformation campaigns that threaten national security and social harmony. By swiftly acting after the Pahalgam terror attack, India has sent a clear message that it will not tolerate provocative narratives designed to destabilize the country.

As tensions rise between India and Pakistan, the focus remains on safeguarding the nation’s interests—both on the ground and across digital platforms. Moving forward, India’s proactive measures against disinformation and cross-border threats will be critical in maintaining internal stability and protecting its citizens.