After a diplomatic strike by putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, India has now carried out a digital strike over Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam Terror Attack. Centre on Monday banned at least 16 Pakistani YouTube channels that were found spreading misinformation on Pahalgam terror Attacks and putting misleading content targeting the Indian Army.
As per reports, on the recommendations of the Home Ministry, the government has taken this decision against the YouTube channels as they were spreading inflammatory, false, misleading statements and misinformation against India, its army, and security agencies. 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including Dawn News, Sama TV, and Geo News, have been banned. Below is a list of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels banned by India-
Pakistani YouTube channels banned in India
- Dawn News
- Irshad Bhatti
- SAMAA TV
- ARY NEWS
- BOL NEWS
- Raftar
- The Pakistan Reference
- Geo News
- Samaa Sports
- GNN
- Uzair Cricket
- Umar Cheema Exclusive
- Asma Shirazi
- Muneeb Farooq
- SUNO News HD
- Razi Naama
As per reports, these Pakistani YouTube channels were found to be disseminating disinformation related to India's national security, foreign relations, and public order. Together, these YouTube channels had a cumulative viewership of over 6.3080 crore.
They 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.
In a related move, the official X handle of the Government of Pakistan had also been withheld by India following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 innocent civilians and injured several others.
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.
With inputs IANS