India Bans 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels Over Pahalgam Attack Misinformation, Warns BBC on Reporting

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India cracks down on Pakistani YouTube channels spreading provocative narratives and issues a strong warning to BBC over misleading headlines.

New Delhi, April 28, 2025 —
In a strong move to curb the spread of provocative content, India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, which collectively had over 63 million subscribers, following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The action was taken based on recommendations from the Union Home Ministry.

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Among the banned channels are major Pakistani news outlets like Dawn, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Geo News, Raftar, and Suno News. Personal channels of journalists such as Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq have also been blocked. Other platforms, including The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Razi Naama, were also taken down.

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Government sources stated that these channels were disseminating communally sensitive narratives, misinformation, and provocative content targeting India’s Army and security agencies amid heightened tensions after the Pahalgam tragedy, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one local.

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Users attempting to access the banned channels now receive a message citing unavailability due to government orders concerning national security and public order.

India has taken firm measures against Pakistan since the attack, suspending the Indus Water Treaty and visa services for Pakistani nationals. In response, Pakistan has threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, stating, “This attack was not just on innocent tourists; it was an attack on India’s soul. The will of 140 crore Indians will crush the masters of terror.”

Meanwhile, the Indian government also issued a warning to the BBC over a controversial headline — “Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists” — which officials argued could be misinterpreted as blaming India for the deaths. The External Publicity Department of the Ministry of External Affairs has formally conveyed India’s displeasure to Jackie Martin, BBC India’s head, and will continue to monitor the broadcaster’s reporting closely.

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India Pakistan tensions, Pahalgam terror attack, YouTube ban, Pakistani news channels, Dawn banned, BBC warning India, misinformation crackdown, national security India, Pahalgam aftermath, digital media ban