India has blocked access to the official YouTube channel of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This action comes days after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. Viewers in India visiting the channel now see the message: “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.”
Wider Crackdown on Pakistani YouTube Channels
The move follows the Indian government’s decision to ban 16 well-known Pakistani YouTube channels. The banned platforms include some of Pakistan’s top news outlets like Geo News, ARY News, Dawn, Samaa TV, and Bol News. Together, these channels have over 63 million subscribers. Authorities accused them of publishing misleading, provocative, and communally sensitive content targeting India and its security agencies.
This clampdown was initiated based on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Pakistani Journalists Also TargetedIndia blocks Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s YouTube channel citing national security after Pahalgam terror attack.
In addition to media houses, the Indian government also took down YouTube channels run by prominent Pakistani journalists. Among those affected were Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq. Their content was flagged for spreading narratives deemed harmful to India’s internal security and public order.
India Warns BBC Over Pahalgam Coverage
India’s strong response wasn’t limited to Pakistani content creators. The government also issued a formal warning to the BBC for what it described as “biased reporting” on the Pahalgam terror incident. Authorities took exception to the BBC using the term “militants” instead of “terrorists” in its coverage. The Ministry of External Affairs conveyed its objection directly to BBC India Head Jackie Martin.
PM Modi Pledges Stern Action
Reacting to the Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured a forceful response. “The harshest punishment will be given to those behind the Pahalgam attack,” he stated. Modi attributed the violence to terrorists and their backers who, he said, “do not like the return of peace and prosperity” in the Kashmir Valley.
Other Measures Taken Against Pakistan
As part of a broader strategy to counter alleged Pakistani involvement in supporting terrorism, India also revoked the visas of several Pakistani nationals. Over 500 individuals, including diplomats, have since exited India via the Attari-Wagah border.
Meanwhile, Indian security forces have intensified their crackdown on terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, demolishing properties linked to militants and detaining individuals suspected of aiding terror activities.
