New Delhi, Ap 28: In a strong response following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, which collectively had around 63 million subscribers.
According to government sources, the channels were blocked for spreading provocative, communal, and misleading content targeting India, its army, and security forces.
The ban was issued based on recommendations from the Union Home Ministry. Prominent news channels affected include Dawn, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News, and Suno News. Additionally, the YouTube accounts of well-known Pakistani journalists such as Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq have also been restricted, along with other channels like The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Razi Naama.
The government cited that these platforms were pushing content aimed at inciting tension and misinformation following the Pahalgam attack, where 25 Indian tourists and one Kashmiri civilian were brutally killed by terrorists.
Users attempting to access the banned channels in India now see 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," referencing Google’s Transparency Report for further details.
The move is part of a broader crackdown by India, which suspects Pakistan's involvement in the attack. In retaliation, India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and halted visa services for Pakistani citizens. Pakistan has countered by threatening to withdraw from all bilateral agreements, including the historic Simla Agreement.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed severe retribution for the April 22 attack. He assured that those responsible directly or indirectly will face consequences they "cannot even imagine."
"From Kargil to Kanyakumari, there is grief and rage. This attack was not just on innocent tourists; it was an attack on India's very soul," Modi stated. "The time has come to destroy what remains of these terror hubs. The strength of 1.4 billion Indians will crush the backbone of those who sponsor terror," he declared.
