In a major escalation of non-military measures against Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has banned several Pakistani YouTube channels, including those of prominent figures like former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar. The move, aimed at curbing provocative content, follows a series of strong actions taken after the April 22 attack that killed 26 people and injured many others.
The Ministry of Home Affairs recommended the bans, citing concerns that these channels were spreading provocative, communally sensitive material and misinformation against India’s security forces. Major Pakistani news networks like Dawn News, ARY News, Samaa TV, and Geo News have also been blocked for streaming misleading narratives that could inflame tensions after the attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Channels taken down amid growing security concerns
Upon attempting to access the banned YouTube channels, users in India now encounter a message stating that the content is unavailable due to a government order related to national security and public order. The move is part of a broader crackdown, where the government has chosen diplomatic and strategic pressure over direct military responses in the wake of the terror attack.
The list of banned channels includes well-known names across news, sports, and entertainment, such as Shoaib Akhtar’s “100mph,” Geo News, Dawn News, and sports platforms like Geo Super and Sports Central by DRM. Individual creators like Sawera Pasha, Arsalan Naseer, and Sana Amjad have also faced restrictions.
Non-military pressure mounts on Pakistan
The crackdown on digital platforms comes alongside other non-military moves, including India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, revocation of visas for Pakistani nationals, and the closure of the Attari border checkpoint. These steps were finalized after a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting India’s strategic shift to isolating Pakistan diplomatically and economically after the terror attack.
In response, Pakistan retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement and cutting off all remaining bilateral agreements with India. With both countries hardening their stances, the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack continues to drive a sharp rise in regional tensions.
