HIGHLIGHTS

India has blocked 16 YouTube channels from Pakistan following recent events.

This action was taken based on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The affected channels boast a cumulative subscriber base exceeding 63 million.

The Government of India has taken decisive action by banning 16 Pakistani YouTube channels due to their involvement in spreading communal tensions and misinformation about India. This move comes as part of recommendations made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, as reported by ANI. Prominent channels affected by this ban include popular news outlets such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, and Geo News, which collectively have over 63 million subscribers.

Reports suggest that these channels were disseminating inflammatory and divisive content, along with misleading narratives targeting India, its military, and security forces, especially in wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

While the duration and specifics of this ban remain unclear, the decision follows closely on the heels of a terrorist incident in Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, where several Indian tourists tragically lost their lives due to attacks from armed assailants.

In addition to this significant ban, the Indian government has also taken steps to limit the reach of Pakistani government presence in India. The official X handle of the Government of Pakistan has been banned, and top Pakistani diplomat Saad Ahmad Warraich was summoned to New Delhi, where he received a formal Persona Non Grata notice alongside other military attaches from Pakistan.

Furthermore, the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Modi, announced a series of stringent measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, close-down of the Attari-Wagah border, halting the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani citizens, expulsion of military attaches from New Delhi, and a reduction in diplomatic personnel at the respective High Commissions of both nations.

Here’s the complete list of the Pakistani YouTube channels impacted by this ban:

1. Dawn News (@dawnnewspakistan) – 1.96M subscribers
2. Irshad Bhatti (@IrshadBhatti01) – 827K subscribers
3. SAMAA TV (@Samaatv) – 12.7M subscribers
4. ARY NEWS (@ArynewsTvofficial) – 14.6M subscribers
5. BOL NEWS (@BOLNewsofficial) – 7.85M subscribers
6. Raftar (@raftartv) – 804K subscribers
7. The Pakistan Reference (@ThePakistanReference) – 288K subscribers
8. Geo News (@geonews) – 18.1M subscribers
9. Samaa Sports (@SamaaSports) – 73.5K subscribers
10. GNN (@gnnhdofficial) – 3.54M subscribers
11. Uzair Cricket (@UzairCricket786) – 288K subscribers
12. Umar Cheema Exclusive (@UmarCheemaExclusive) – 125K subscribers
13. Asma Shirazi (@AsmaShiraziofficial) – 133K subscribers
14. Muneeb Farooq (@muneebfarooqqofficial) – 165K subscribers
15. SUNO News HD (@SUNONewsHD) – 1.36M subscribers
16. Razi Naama (@razinaama) – 270K subscribers

Total Subscribers: 63.08M

In related news, reports suggest a troubling trend in the broader diplomatic relationship between India and Pakistan. The latest ban and the accompanying measures indicate a significant escalation in tensions, underscoring the critical nature of both countries’ national security strategies.

For more updates on ongoing developments in this situation and its implications on regional stability, stay tuned to credible news sources.

Also read: Apple’s plan to move entire iPhone assembly to India by 2027 might be unrealistic

To further explore the context of these events, consider reading: Inside Xiaomi’s sharp downfall in India: Poor product positioning, retailer dissatisfaction and more