India on Monday announced a ban on 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative and communally sensitive content and misinformation against India, its Army, and security agencies, following the tragic Pahalgam terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir.
The major action followed the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). According to government sources, “On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has banned some Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives and misinformation against India, its Army and security agencies in the backdrop of the tragic Pahalgam terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir”.
India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading disinformation
The list of banned YouTube channels includes prominent names such as Dawn News, SAMAA TV, ARY News, BOL News, and Geo News, among others. These channels have a huge following of over 63 million subscribers and were found to be spreading disinformation related to India’s national security, foreign relations, and public order.
Other YouTube channels are Irsha Bhatti, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, SAMAA Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Sirazi, Mujeeb Farooq, Suno Newz, and Razi Naama.
These YouTube channels were spreading false and unverified information aimed at creating panic, inciting communal disharmony, and disturbing public order within India, according to an official statement.
The banned channels were posting fake news on various subjects, such as the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir, and India’s foreign relations in light of the Pahalgam terror attack.
This news comes amid rising tensions with Pakistan against the backdrop of the tragic terror incident on April 22, where 26 people lost their lives near the Baisaran Meadow, a popular tourist destination in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pahalgam Attack: Government raises concerns over BBC’s reporting, issues warning
This attack marks one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack, which resulted in the deaths of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans.
This action has been taken against social media posts that allegedly misrepresented the situation.
Wow. BBC makes it sound like India killed Pakistani tourists in Pahalgam! How much lower can they fall?? @sanjeevsanyal @ARanganathan72 @authoramish pic.twitter.com/cwGbOZOhOt
— Sandipan Deb (@sandipanthedeb) April 26, 2025
As per sources, a formal complaint was lodged with the BBC after concerns were raised about the portrayal of the Pahalgam incident, particularly regarding the terminology used for terrorists in their reportage.
A formal letter was issued to the BBC India Head, and monitoring of BBC’s reporting will continue.
The Indian government reiterated its commitment to combating misinformation that threatens national security and communal harmony.
The move comes two days after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack case from Jammu and Kashmir Police and began its investigation into the deadly attack that killed 26 people.
Scam Alert: Fake message about Indian Army donation goes viral on whatsApp
Along with that, there is a misleading message going around on WhatsApp about donations to a particular bank account for the modernisation of the Indian Army and the soldiers injured or killed in action.
A WhatsApp message is going around claiming that government has opened a bank account for the modernization of the Indian Army.#PIBFactCheck
This claim is MISLEADING
The bank account mentioned in the message is NOT meant for modernization of Indian Army or for purchase… pic.twitter.com/flm2vGe22G
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) April 27, 2025
The message quotes a Cabinet decision to this effect and invokes the name of actor Akshay Kumar as being the prime mover of the proposal.
The account details in the said message are wrong, leading to online donations getting dishonoured. People must remain cautious and not fall prey to such fraudulent messages.
Pahalgam Terror Attack Fallout
Following the deadly attack, India launched a strong diplomatic offensive, summoning Pakistan’s top diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handing over a formal Persona Non Grata note for all Pakistani military attaches.
The moves are part of a series of sweeping retaliatory actions by India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the assault a “cowardly attack on innocent civilians.”
The attack, orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror outfit The Resistance Front, has triggered a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries.
In response to the attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Modi, announced several stringent measures.
These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari-Wagah border, cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, expulsion of Pakistan’s military attaches from New Delhi, and a reduction in diplomatic staff at both High Commissions.
Anurag Dhole is a seasoned journalist and content writer with a passion for delivering timely, accurate, and engaging stories. With over 8 years of experience in digital media, she covers a wide range of topics—from breaking news and politics to business insights and cultural trends. Jane's writing style blends clarity with depth, aiming to inform and inspire readers in a fast-paced media landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, she’s likely reading investigative features or exploring local cafés for her next writing spot.
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
