India Bans 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels Over Disinformation Following Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a decisive move, the Government of India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, as well as false narratives targeting India, its military, and security agencies. This action follows the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 innocent lives.
Channels Banned
The banned channels include:
- 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
Collectively, these channels had a cumulative viewership exceeding 63 million. They were found to be spreading false and unverified information aimed at creating panic, inciting communal disharmony, and disturbing public order within India .
Official Statement
An official statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) highlighted that the content published by these channels included fake news related to the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir, and India’s foreign relations, particularly concerning the situation in Ukraine. Such content was deemed to be completely false and sensitive from the perspective of national security, sovereignty, and India’s friendly relations with other states .
Diplomatic Measures
In a related move, India has also withheld the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Government of Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Additionally, India summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handed over a formal Persona Non Grata note for all Pakistani military attaches .
Retaliatory Actions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the Pahalgam attack as a “cowardly attack on innocent civilians.” In response, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) announced several stringent measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari-Wagah border, cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, expulsion of Pakistan’s military attaches from New Delhi, and a reduction in diplomatic staff at both High Commissions .
These actions underscore India’s commitment to safeguarding its national security and public order, while also addressing the spread of disinformation that threatens communal harmony and bilateral relations.
