Tuesday, April 29, 2025
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On Monday, April 28, the Government of India has blocked sixteen YouTube channels based in Pakistan, citing concerns over content it described as incitement and communally sensitive, particularly in the wake of a recent attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The Indian government has also issued a warning to the BBC.
According to a report by NDTV, the decision was made following a recommendation from the Union Home Ministry. The banned channels reportedly had a combined subscriber base of around 63 million.
Among those affected are major Pakistani news outlets, including Dawn, Sama TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News, and Suno News. YouTube channels belonging to journalists Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq were also blocked. Additional channels named in the ban include Pakistan Reference, Sama Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Raji Nama.
Officials have not disclosed specific details about the content in question, but emphasized the action was taken in line with India’s regulations on digital content and national security considerations.
Sources
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- Aishvarya Jain. “Dawn Among 16 Pak YouTube Channels Banned In India, BBC Gets A Warning Too” — NDTV, April 28, 2025
- “Centre blocks 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for broadcasting ‘provocative’ content, writes to BBC over reporting on Pahalgam attack” — The Hindu, April 28, 2025
- “India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels including Dawn, warns BBC” — bdnews24, April 28, 2025
