India Restricts 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels After Pahalgam Attack

Following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, accusing them of spreading “anti-India propaganda” and misinformation that could incite further unrest.

This move reflects rising tensions between India and Pakistan and highlights India’s growing efforts to regulate digital content related to national security.

Which Pakistani YouTube Channels Were Banned?

Among the major Pakistani media outlets affected are:

• Dawn News (YouTube)

• Geo News (YouTube)

• ARY News

• GNN

• Several independent commentary channels critical of India’s Kashmir policy

The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting cited that these channels were publishing:

• Provocative content related to Kashmir and terrorism

• False narratives about the Pahalgam incident

• Disinformation campaigns undermining India’s internal stability

Why Did India Act Now?

The trigger was the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, where militants ambushed tourist convoys, leading to 26 deaths.
In the aftermath, several Pakistani YouTube channels reportedly shared videos blaming India’s own security forces and glorifying extremist elements.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs recommended the ban, stating that such content:

• Threatens national security

• Spreads communal disharmony

• Disrespects victims and their families

The channels were blocked under the Information Technology Act, Section 69A, which empowers the government to restrict access to content in the interest of sovereignty and public order.

India’s Broader Strategy Against Misinformation

This YouTube crackdown is part of a larger set of moves by India post-attack, including:

• Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty negotiations with Pakistan

• Expelling Pakistani diplomats from New Delhi

• Increasing scrutiny of online platforms like YouTube, Twitter (X), and Facebook for Pakistan-linked content

Indian officials stressed that they are not targeting free speech but are acting against “coordinated disinformation campaigns” aimed at destabilizing peace, particularly in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

Reactions and International Response

• Pakistani government officials condemned the ban, calling it an attack on freedom of the press.

• Indian officials maintain that “freedom of expression cannot extend to freedom to spread terror propaganda.”

• YouTube India has complied with the government’s directive, geo-blocking the listed channels for viewers inside India.

There has been no major international condemnation yet, although digital rights activists have raised concerns about the growing trend of internet censorship in South Asia.

Conclusion

The banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels by India marks a significant moment in the digital battleground between the two neighbors.
With rising concerns over cybersecurity, propaganda, and information warfare, this incident could set the tone for stricter online regulation in the region going forward.

As India asserts its right to protect its narrative, debates about freedom of speech, national security, and digital sovereignty will only intensify.