Pakistan Blocks Dozens of Indian Online Channels and Websites Amid Escalating Tensions
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Wednesday that it has blocked 16 Indian YouTube channels and 32 Indian websites for allegedly spreading anti-Pakistan narratives and false information following recent military clashes between the two countries.
The action follows a series of Indian military strikes that targeted sites in Pakistan, reportedly killing 31 people. India claimed its attacks hit nine “terrorist infrastructure” sites linked to the April 22 assault in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 people were killed.
According to PTA, the blocked content included 16 Indian YouTube news channels, 31 specific YouTube video links, and 32 websites. The authority stated that these platforms were promoting misleading and damaging narratives aimed at disrupting public perception and undermining Pakistan’s national unity.
In a statement, the PTA said the blocking of these sites was part of its commitment to protecting national security and maintaining the integrity of Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. It reaffirmed its stance on preserving a safe and secure online environment and pledged ongoing monitoring of digital content to counter material that threatens national interests.
This move mirrors a similar action by India on May 3, when access to social media accounts of several Pakistani celebrities, including actors and cricketers, was restricted. India had earlier blocked multiple Pakistani YouTube channels, including prominent news outlets such as Dawn, ARY News, Geo News, and others, accusing them of spreading provocative content in the wake of the Kashmir attack.