India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and prominent content creators, accusing them of spreading provocative content and false narratives.
Among those targeted is former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, whose personal channel has over 3.5 million subscribers. Other major platforms blocked include Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, Geo News, Bol News, and Raftar, affecting a combined audience of around 63 million subscribers across India.
The crackdown follows the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.
The move has raised serious concerns about censorship, press freedom, and the free flow of information in the region.
Indian authorities claim that the blocked channels were spreading “provocative, communally sensitive” content aimed at inciting unrest.
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that these platforms were promoting “false narratives” against India, its military, and security agencies.
List of Banned Pakistani YouTube Channels
| Sl. No. | Name of the YouTube Channel | YouTube Handle | Link | Subscribers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dawn News | @dawnnewspakistan | Link | 1.96M |
| 2 | Irshad Bhatti | @IrshadBhatti01 | Link | 827K |
| 3 | SAMAA TV | @Samaatv | Link | 12.7M |
| 4 | ARY NEWS | @ArynewstvOfficial | Link | 9.14M |
| 5 | BOL NEWS | @BOLNewsofficial | Link | 7.85M |
| 6 | Raftar | @raftartv | Link | 288K |
| 7 | The Pakistan Reference | @ThePakistanReference | Link | 188K |
| 8 | Geo News | @geonews | Link | 18.1M |
| 9 | Samaa Sports | @SamaaSports | Link | 221K |
| 10 | GNN | @gnnhdofficial | Link | 3.54M |
| 11 | Uzair Cricket | @UzairCricket786 | Link | 122K |
| 12 | Umar Cheema Exclusive | @UmarCheemaExclusive | Link | 125K |
| 13 | Asma Shirazi Official | @AsmaShiraziofficial | Link | 233K |
| 14 | Muneeb Farooq Official | @muneebfarooqofficial | Link | 136K |
| 15 | SUNO NEWS HD | @SUNONEWSHD | Link | 1.36M |
| 16 | Razi Naama | @razinaama | Link | 270K |
