India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels over ‘misinformation’ about Pahalgam attack

At least 16 Pakistani YouTube channels have been banned in India, as the Indian government persists with its hostile actions against Pakistan, even as it fails to conduct a thorough investigation into the Pahalgam attack.

According to Indian media, the channels were banned on the recommendation of India’s Ministry of Home Affairs. The list included prominent Pakistani news channels, and Shoaib Akhtar's YouTube account has also been blocked for Indian viewers.

Indian authorities allege that these channels were spreading misinformation and false narratives about the Pahalgam attack. These channels boast around 63 million subscribers.

Shoaib Akhtar’s channel, which has over 3.5 million followers worldwide, is known for offering insightful and unbiased opinions on cricket. 

Read: Indian fails to convince foreign diplomats of Pakistan's role in Pahalgam attack: NYT

India's freedom of expression is constantly threatened, with comedians and filmmakers facing backlash and legal action for even minor criticism of Hindutva ideology or opposition to the government's authoritarian policies.

Ahead of the European Commission’s visit to New Delhi in February 2025, several human rights organisations raised concerns about the Indian government’s ongoing repression of free speech and human rights violations.

Check: Iran offers to mediate between Pakistan and India amid rising tensions

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, and Reporters Without Borders were among the organisations that condemned the Modi-led government for undermining democracy, restricting free expression, and persecuting minorities.

In their letter, the human rights watchdogs criticised the Indian government's recent laws that further restrict free speech, target political opponents, and suppress dissent.

Minorities and dissidents continue to face extrajudicial persecution, killings, and punitive actions under the far-right BJP government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also faced scrutiny after a BBC investigation exposed his role in the 2002 Gujarat massacre of Muslims.