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In a strong response following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels. The action, recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs, was taken after these platforms were found spreading provocative, communally sensitive content and misinformation targeting India, its Army, and security agencies.
Among the banned channels are major news outlets like Dawn, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News, and Suno News. Channels associated with journalists Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq have also been blocked. Sports and commentary platforms like Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Razi Naama were similarly removed. YouTube has marked these channels as unavailable in India, citing government orders tied to national security and public order.
Alongside these measures, India has officially reprimanded the BBC for its reporting on the Pahalgam terror incident. In a letter addressed to BBC India head Jackie Martin, the government objected to the organization referring to the terrorists as “militants” in a report. The article in question titled “Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack” drew strong criticism for misrepresenting the nature of the attack.
In addition, India has initiated moves to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Brokered by the World Bank in 1960, the treaty governs the usage of the Indus river system, which includes major rivers like the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Jhelum, and Chenab. The recent steps underline India’s firm stance in the wake of repeated provocations and underline the river system’s strategic importance to both countries.
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