India Blocks Pakistani YouTube Channels for Spreading False Narratives After Pahalgam Attack

Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 innocent people lost their lives, India has taken a strong step against the spread of provocative and false information. On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels that were allegedly promoting communally sensitive content and misleading narratives against India and its security forces.

Government sources revealed that many of these banned channels belong to well-known media houses and journalists from Pakistan. The list includes prominent names like Geo News, Dawn News, Raftar, Bol News, ARY News, Samaa TV, and Suno News. YouTube channels run by famous journalists like Muneeb Farooq, Umar Cheema, Asma Shirazi, and Irshad Bhatti have also been blocked in India.

Other YouTube platforms that faced the ban include Uzair Cricket, The Pakistan Reference, Razi Naama, and Samaa Sports, among others. Interestingly, the combined subscriber base of all these banned channels was around 63 million, showing the vast influence they had on audiences across countries.

According to government sources, these YouTube channels were not just sharing news but were intentionally spreading provocative, communally sensitive, and fake narratives, directly targeting India, its Army, and security agencies. This action comes during a time when tensions between India and Pakistan are already high after the Pahalgam attack, which shocked the entire nation.

In addition to blocking YouTube channels, India has strongly objected to the BBC’s coverage of the Pahalgam attack. Officials said, “A formal letter has been sent to the BBC on terming terrorists as militants. The External Publicity Division of the MEA will be monitoring the reporting of the BBC." The Ministry of External Affairs wrote to Jackie Martin, the BBC India Head, expressing India's strong displeasure over their choice of words while reporting the terror incident.

The terror attack took place in Baisaran meadow, close to the popular tourist town of Pahalgam, and is being considered one of the worst attacks after Pulwama 2019, where 40 CRPF jawans were martyred.

Immediately after the Pahalgam tragedy, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) jumped into action. Their teams, led by senior officers like an Inspector General, Deputy Inspector General, and Superintendent of Police, are stationed at the site. They have been busy collecting evidence and questioning eyewitnesses who were present during the April 22 attack.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has also gone on high alert. Several search operations have been launched across Jammu and Kashmir to track down and eliminate the terrorists responsible for the attack.

The anger among Indians is visible on the streets, with massive protests being held across the country. Citizens are demanding strict action against Pakistan and a stronger security strategy to prevent such brutal incidents in the future.

Interestingly, the government’s ban targeted not only major news channels but also popular sports and podcast channels. Some of these include Sawera Pasha’s YouTube channel, CBA – Arsalan Naseer’s channel, Rizwan Haider’s account, Wasay Habib, and Tanveer Says. Even entertainment and sports-focused pages like Basit Ali, Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube channel, Muhammad Furqan Bhatti, BBN SPORTS, and A Sports have been blocked.

Sana Amjad, Arzoo Kazmi, Caught Behind Show, Sports Central by DRM, and Geo’s entertainment branch Hasna Mana Hai have also been restricted. Other names like How Does It Work Podcast, GNN’s YouTube handle, Syed Muzammil Official, Muzammil Speaks, Raftar Sports, Raftar Now, and SUNO News HD were added to the banned list too.

Channels run by individual journalists like Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi Official, Muneeb Farooq Official, and commentary platforms like The Pakistan Reference and Razi Naama were also part of this ban.

With the government cracking down so strongly, it has sent a loud and clear message: India will not tolerate the spread of fake news and provocative content, especially in the wake of such a tragic terror attack. Officials are keeping a close eye on foreign media reporting, and monitoring continues to ensure that no misinformation disrupts India’s unity and peace.

In these challenging times, the nation stands united in seeking justice for the victims of Pahalgam and ensuring that such incidents are never repeated.