Pakistani YouTube channels Banned: The Government of India has taken strict action after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April. On the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Indian government has banned several YouTube news channels of Pakistan. These channels were spreading inflammatory and communally sensitive content against the army and security agencies of India. False and misleading information was being given on these channels, which could threaten national security. This move of the government was to curb such channels which were trying to incite terrorist incidents in India.
16 Pakistani YouTube channels closed
The Government of India has closed 16 major YouTube news channels of Pakistan. Some of these major channels are – Daav, Geo News, Sama TV and ARY News. Now these channels will not be able to be seen on YouTube in India. Anti-India and false news was being broadcast on these channels, in which the Indian Army and security agencies were targeted. The government has decided to shut down these channels to protect Indian viewers from their misleading and harmful content.
On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has banned the 16 Pakistani YouTube channels including Dawn News, Samaa TV, Ary News, Geo News for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives and… pic.twitter.com/AusR1fCkvN
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025
Names of banned Pakistani channels
The Pakistani YouTube channels that the Indian government has blocked include channels like Daawat News, Sama TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, The Pakistan, Geo News, Sama Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Manib Farooq, Suno News and Razi Naam. The content running on these channels was considered dangerous for the security of India. The government has taken strict action against these channels and removed them from the YouTube platform, so that peace and security remains in the country.
Government’s response to BBC’s reporting
The Indian government has also expressed concern over BBC’s reporting. The government has sent a formal letter to BBC’s India head Jackie Martin, requesting to respect India’s sentiments. The letter objected to the BBC calling terrorists ‘militants’. The Indian government says that such reporting is against the security and public sentiment of the country. Also, steps will be taken to monitor BBC’s reporting.
Reaction on social media
Discussions have intensified on the issue on social media. A Twitter user Sandipan Dev shared a screenshot of the BBC report and wrote, “Wow! BBC showed it as if India killed Pakistani tourists in Pahalgam! To what extent can they stoop?” This tweet has further fuelled the controversy on social media and also increased support for the steps taken by the Indian government.
