India Blocks Pakistani YouTube Channels After Kashmir Attack

As the security situation intensified following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, the Government of India has taken swift action by banning several Pakistani YouTube channels, including those run by former cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Basit Ali. The attack in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, carried out by armed militants, heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, leading authorities to crack down on media narratives deemed provocative or misleading.

On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has banned following Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives and misinformation against
India, its Army and security… pic.twitter.com/2AjzeEuCsW

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 28, 2025

Among the major casualties of this digital sweep is Shoaib Akhtar’s popular YouTube channel, “100mph”, known for cricket analysis and candid opinions. Indian viewers attempting to access such channels are now greeted with a warning citing national security concerns. The ban isn’t limited to Akhtar; Basit Ali, Rashid Latif, Tanveer Ahmed, and several other Pakistani cricket and sports content creators like Wasay Habib and Rizwan Haider have also been impacted. Major Pakistani news outlets, including Dawn News, ARY News, and Geo News, were similarly barred.

The Ministry of Home Affairs recommended the move, accusing the banned channels of spreading false, provocative, and communally sensitive content against India and its security forces. The Press Trust of India confirmed the action via an official statement. Meanwhile, reactions continue to pour in, with figures like Danish Kaneria criticizing Pakistani leadership for glorifying the attackers.