India Blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels After Pahalgam Terror Attack, Suspends Indus Water Treaty and Slams BBC Over Kashmir Reporting
New Delhi – After the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that shook the nation, India has taken decisive action. The Centre has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including some of Pakistan’s leading media outlets, for spreading false narratives, provocative content, and misinformation against India, its armed forces, and security agencies.
This strong move comes after a terror incident in Kashmir’s Pahalgam region that left 26 people dead. Sources revealed that the action was based on recommendations made by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), with a clear objective to protect India’s national security and public order.
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Which Pakistani YouTube Channels Were Banned by India?
Among the banned YouTube channels are some of Pakistan’s most prominent names. The list includes Dawn News TV, Samaa TV, ARY News, GEO News, and Bol News. Together, these 16 channels had a combined following of over 63 million subscribers.
A government source shared detailed figures about the banned channels:
- Dawn News TV: 1.96 million followers
- Samaa TV: 12.7 million followers
- ARY News: 14.6 million followers
- GEO News: 18.1 million followers
- Bol News: 7.85 million followers
- GNN Channel: 3.54 million followers
- Other smaller channels like Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, Suno News HD, and Razi Naama were also blocked.
If anyone tries to access these channels from India, they now see a clear message stating:
“This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.”
Google’s Transparency Report further explains the details of such government removal requests.
Watch full list here-
Why Did India Take This Step?
Officials explained that after the Pahalgam terror attack, misinformation spread rapidly through several social media platforms, mainly targeting India’s security agencies. These Pakistani channels allegedly promoted provocative content, spread false and communal narratives, and attempted to create unrest.
Considering the sensitive situation in Kashmir, the government acted quickly to prevent the spread of fake news and to maintain national unity. The Ministry of Home Affairs worked closely with other security agencies before recommending the ban.
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According to sources, this move is not just about blocking content but sending a strong message that India will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize its internal peace through false propaganda.
India Also Reaches Out to BBC, AP, and Reuters Over Kashmir Coverage
Apart from blocking Pakistani channels, India has also expressed serious concerns about international media coverage.
A source revealed that India has formally approached BBC, after noticing that the BBC referred to the Pahalgam terrorists as “militants” in one of its reports.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) contacted Jackie Martin, the Head of BBC India, and conveyed India’s strong objections.
New Delhi reminded BBC about the sensitive nature of Kashmir’s situation and urged the channel to report responsibly. The MEA XP Division will now monitor further BBC coverage closely.
Moreover, similar concerns were raised with Associated Press (AP) and Reuters, two major international news agencies. Officials said that balanced reporting on such sensitive matters is crucial, and any bias could lead to misinformation globally.
India Sharpens Response After Pahalgam Terror Attack: Indus Water Treaty Halted, Visas Cancelled
Following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India has taken a series of strong measures against Pakistan. Officials confirmed that these steps are meant to show India’s firm stance on terrorism and send a clear message across the border.
One of the most critical moves is the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, a historic agreement between India and Pakistan. In addition, India has cancelled visas for Pakistani citizens and completely banned movement through the Attari border.
The government has also declared the defence, naval, and air advisors at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as ‘undesirable persons’. They have been ordered to leave India within a week. Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will withdraw its defence, naval, and air advisors, with reports suggesting that these posts will now be abolished.
Further tightening its response, India has reduced the number of Pakistani staff allowed at their High Commission in Delhi. Officials stated that all these decisions directly result from the Pahalgam terror attack, and New Delhi has made it clear that there will be more consequences. Tensions continue to rise as India Pakistan relations reach a new low.
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