Indian govt blocks Pakistani entertainment channels on YouTube

The Indian government continues to adopt increasingly bizarre measures to emphasize its hostility toward its neighbor by targeting art, entertainment, and cultural content. In a recent move, several Pakistani entertainment channels have reportedly been banned on Indian YouTube.

The far-right administration in New Delhi launched a sweeping censorship campaign across social media, blocking access to accounts of Pakistani celebrities, news outlets, podcasts, and entertainment platforms.

This intensifying media crackdown followed the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), for which India hastily blamed Pakistan without presenting any credible evidence.

Among the blocked platforms are three major Pakistani entertainment channels with substantial Indian followings, particularly among fans of Pakistani dramas. The bans appear to be part of a broader effort to eliminate cultural exchange between the two countries.

This cultural censorship began earlier with the shelving of the Indo-Pakistani film Abhi Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor. More recently, Pakistani star Hania Aamir was reportedly removed from Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming Punjabi film following the IIOJK incident.

Despite India’s accusations, officials have failed to produce any tangible proof linking Islamabad to the Pahalgam attack. Nonetheless, the Indian government continues to politicise culture, making it a target in its wider diplomatic and ideological campaign.

Read: India blocks Instagram accounts of Hania Amir, Mahira Khan, other celebs

While Pakistani artists have faced unofficial bans in India for years, cross-border collaborations have historically persisted through mutual efforts by artists on both sides.

However, with the current climate of hostility and increased censorship, artists are now becoming increasingly hesitant to engage in joint ventures or cultural exchanges.