Islamabad, May 2, 2025: In the wake of escalating tensions between Pakistan and India following the April 22 incident in Pahalgam, Indian authorities have now blocked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official YouTube channel.
This move comes just days after multiple Pakistani news and commentary channels faced similar restrictions in India.
YouTube communicated to the affected channels via email, explaining that the ban was implemented due to a government directive tied to national security or public order.
As a result, not only has existing content been blocked, but all upcoming uploads from these accounts will also remain inaccessible within India.
Observers suggest that the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is working to clamp down on alternative viewpoints surrounding the Pahalgam attack.
Specifically, the removal of a video of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s speech at the Kakul Military Academy, which had been uploaded to his official channel, highlights the intensity of the crackdown.
YouTube has clarified that the Pakistani prime minister retains the right to challenge or appeal the removal.
Previously, under recommendations from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, at least 16 well-known Pakistani YouTube channels were banned.
These include high-profile outlets like Geo News, Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol Network, and Suno News.
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In addition, notable Pakistani journalists such as Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq have seen their personal channels blocked from Indian audiences.
The popular podcast The Pakistan Experience was also among the restricted content.
Indian officials claim that these channels were promoting misleading narratives against India’s armed forces and security institutions.
Indian media further reports that Instagram accounts belonging to prominent Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, and Iqra Aziz, are now inaccessible within India.
Users attempting to view these profiles encounter a notice stating: “This account is not available in India due to a legal request to restrict content.”
Notably, the digital offensive has extended to the YouTube channel of Pakistan’s military media arm, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Indian government has asked major platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to block all Pakistani accounts from reaching Indian users.
Those trying to access ISPR’s YouTube page are now met with a message stating the content is blocked “because of a government order linked to national security.”
