PTA Moves to Block YouTube Channels Accused of Spreading Hate Amid Pakistan-India Tensions
As diplomatic and security tensions between Pakistan and India escalate, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in partnership with the National Cyber Crimes Investigating Agency, has identified several YouTube channels accused of inciting unrest and targeting national institutions.
These channels have been disseminating provocative content aimed at the state and military leadership, particularly during the recent surge in cross-border hostilities and heightened public sentiment. The PTA has compiled a list of the offending channels and submitted it to the federal government, seeking immediate approval to block them within Pakistan. Authorities argue that the content poses a direct threat to national security and social stability.
The list reportedly includes prominent Pakistani digital personalities such as Imran Riaz, Sabir Shakir, Siddique Jan, and Shahbaz Gill, who are alleged to have played a significant role in promoting anti-state narratives and disinformation campaigns online. As part of its initial crackdown, the PTA has already blocked channels operated by Ahmed Noorani and Waqar Malik.
Officials say the technical groundwork for restricting access to the remaining channels is complete, with final implementation pending formal clearance from the federal government. Once approved, the channels will be blocked across all digital networks in Pakistan.
In addition to domestic action, the PTA has shared its findings with YouTube’s administration, urging the platform to enforce its community guidelines and international policies against hate speech and misinformation.
