Why Is BBC Faces Government Wrath Over Pahalgam Attack Coverage

India formally writes to BBC India head Jackie Martin, citing strong objections over the terminology and portrayal used in reporting the Pahalgam terror attack.

New Delhi, April 28, 2025 —
The BBC has come under sharp criticism in India for its coverage of the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians at a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government has formally lodged a protest with BBC India head Jackie Martin, citing the country’s “strong sentiments” over the reporting.

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

The backlash began after the BBC published an article titled “Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists,” which many users flagged as misleading — implying, incorrectly, that India was responsible for the killings. Further anger was fueled by the BBC’s repeated use of the term “militants” instead of “terrorists” to describe those behind the gruesome attack.

Also Read: Thousands of Pakistani Pilgrims to Miss Hajj 2025 Amid Severe Quota Shortfall

In addition to warning the BBC, the Indian government, acting on recommendations from the Union Home Ministry, has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative, communally sensitive narratives against India and its security forces.

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The banned platforms include the YouTube channels of major news outlets like Dawn, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News, and Suno News, as well as those operated by journalists Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq. Other banned accounts include The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Razi Naama.

Users trying to access these channels in India are now met with a government notice citing removal “in the interest of national security and public order.”

The crackdown on misinformation follows broader retaliatory actions by India, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and the revocation of visa services for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan, in turn, has responded by suspending all bilateral agreements, including the historic Simla Agreement.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise along the Line of Control, with Pakistan frequently violating ceasefire agreements and attempting to provoke Indian forces.

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BBC India, Pahalgam terror attack, India Pakistan tensions, BBC controversy, misleading media coverage, Indian government warning, Pakistani YouTube ban, national security India, Kashmir attack, media accountability