India Blocks 16 Major Pakistani YouTube Channels, Including Shoaib Akhtar's, Over Sensitive Content

Government Acts Against Platforms Spreading Misinformation Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions

New Delhi, April 28 — In a strong digital move against Pakistan, India has blocked 16 prominent YouTube channels for allegedly broadcasting sensitive and anti-India content. The action, taken on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs, comes at a time when tensions between the two countries have escalated following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The banned YouTube channels, many of which are highly popular on social media, reportedly shared misinformation and communal content targeting India. Collectively, these channels boast over 63 million subscribers.

High-Profile Channels Blocked, Including Shoaib Akhtar’s

Among the blocked channels are well-known media outlets and personalities:

• Dawn News

• Irshad Bhatti

• Samaa TV

• ARY News

• Bol News

• Raftaar

• The Pakistan Reference

• Geo News (with 18.1 million subscribers)

• Samaa Sports

• GNN

• Uzair Cricket

• Umar Cheema Exclusive

• Asma Shirazi

• Muneeb Farooq

• Suno News HD

• Raji Nama

In addition to these, the YouTube channels of Pakistani journalist Arzoo Kazmi and former cricketer-turned-commentator Shoaib Akhtar have also been blocked in India.

Not the First Digital Strike

This isn’t the first time India has taken digital action against Pakistani platforms. Earlier in January, over 30 YouTube channels were blocked for similar reasons.

The current crackdown follows India’s intensified efforts to curb the spread of false narratives and communal content originating from across the border, especially amid heightened sensitivities after the Pahalgam attack.

Officials stated that the blocked content was found to be detrimental to national security and public order, justifying the preventive action under applicable IT and media regulations.

Strengthening Digital Vigilance

India’s proactive stance reflects a broader strategy to strengthen digital sovereignty and information security. Blocking channels that propagate misinformation is part of a wider effort to safeguard the online information ecosystem, especially during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.

Further monitoring and enforcement actions are expected as the government continues to prioritize national security across digital platforms.