New Delhi: The Indian government has taken significant action by blocking 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading provocative, false, and communally sensitive content related to India. Among the affected channels is that of former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, whose channel, although not explicitly listed in the official ban order, appears to have been blocked in India.
When attempting to access Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube channel, users in India are greeted with 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”.
This move comes as part of a broader crackdown by the Indian government, following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, where 26 people, including 25 Indians and a Nepali national, were killed by terrorists. In the wake of the attack, which sent shockwaves throughout India, the Ministry of Home Affairs recommended actions against Pakistani YouTube channels that were spreading misinformation about India and its security forces.
The Ban and Channels Affected
The 16 YouTube channels that have been officially blocked include major Pakistani outlets such as Dawn News, SAMAA TV, ARY News, Geo News, and BOL News. These channels are accused of broadcasting misleading narratives and false content about India, its army, and national security, particularly after the Pahalgam incident.
Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs have indicated that these channels were using provocative content to incite tension and spread misinformation, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. PTI quoted an official statement, which said:
“On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has banned Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives and misinformation against India, its Army, and security agencies in the backdrop of the tragic Pahalgam terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir”.
The Pahalgam Terror Attack
The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred on April 22, shocked the nation when terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the scenic meadows near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack claimed the lives of 26 people, leaving several others seriously injured. Among the victims were 25 Indian nationals and a Nepali citizen.
In response to this attack, the Indian government has taken a series of punitive steps against Pakistan. These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and other diplomatic measures, such as visa cancellations for Pakistani nationals. Indian authorities are pressuring Pakistan to halt cross-border terrorism and have vowed to take stronger actions if necessary.
Diplomatic Fallout
In response to India’s actions, Islamabad has threatened to withdraw from agreements with India and has escalated tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) by violating the ceasefire multiple times. Pakistani forces have reportedly opened fire on Indian positions, heightening the already fragile relationship between the two countries.
Conclusion
As tensions continue to rise following the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government’s decision to block multiple Pakistani YouTube channels reflects an ongoing battle to control the narrative and prevent the spread of inflammatory content. While Shoaib Akhtar’s channel was not included in the official list of banned entities, its restriction in India underscores the growing scrutiny on digital platforms used to spread misinformation.
