India Blocks 16 Pakistan-Based YouTube Channels After Pahalgam Terror Attack

New Delhi, April 28 —
India has blocked 16 YouTube channels based in Pakistan for allegedly spreading provocative, communally sensitive misinformation in the wake of the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, government sources confirmed on Sunday.

The action, recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs, comes days after 26 people were killed in the deadly assault. Among the blocked platforms are YouTube channels belonging to major Pakistani news outlets such as Geo News, Dawn, Raftar, Bol News, ARY News, Samaa TV, and Suno News. Also affected are the YouTube accounts of prominent Pakistani journalists including Muneeb Farooq, Umar Cheema, Asma Shirazi, and Irshad Bhatti. Additional banned channels include Uzair Cricket, The Pakistan Reference, Razi Naama, and Samaa Sports.

Together, these channels had amassed around 63 million subscribers.
Officials stated that the blocked platforms were involved in circulating false narratives, misleading information, and anti-India propaganda, particularly aimed at undermining the Indian Army and security forces.

The clampdown follows heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the terror attack near the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination. It marks one of the most serious incidents in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

In response, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an extensive investigation at the site since April 23. Senior officers are leading the probe, questioning witnesses and gathering forensic evidence. Meanwhile, the Indian Army has intensified its operations across the region to track down those responsible.

The Pahalgam attack has triggered widespread outrage across India, with citizens and political leaders alike demanding decisive action against Pakistan.