Pahalgam: India-Pakistan YouTube War Fuels Digital Conflict

Spread love

India Bans 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels Amid Escalating Tensions

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI — April 28, 2025 — The digital feud between India and Pakistan intensified Monday as India banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, citing their role in spreading provocative content following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

The Ministry of Home Affairs accused the channels of disseminating “communally sensitive content and false narratives” targeting India, its military, and security agencies. The banned channels include Pakistani media outlets Dawn, ARY, Geo News, and Samaa TV, as well as former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar’s channel. Three posts on X and WhatsApp were also flagged for similar reasons.

The move marks a new front in the “war of YouTubers,” where creators in both nations have weaponized YouTube to stoke nationalism and trade accusations. Pakistani channels have been criticized for alleging Indian aggression in Kashmir, while some Indian YouTubers have faced bans for spreading misinformation about Pakistan’s role in terrorism.

The Indian government issued a media advisory Saturday, urging outlets not to show footage of military movements. However, social media platforms remain rife with speculation about India’s next steps, fueling a firestorm of rhetoric. Mainstream television channels in both countries have mirrored the inflammatory content, keeping audiences engaged.

Public sentiment on X reflects strong support for the ban. User @KhabriBossLady urged India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to block Pakistani channels, arguing that Indian viewership inadvertently funds them. “India is at war with a terrorist nation. We cannot let them earn money from India,” the post read.

The ban follows heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which India attributes to Pakistan-backed terrorists. India responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties. Pakistan, denying involvement, has suspended the Simla Agreement.

Security analysts and unverified social media posts have added to the speculation, with some X users claiming water flow to Pakistan has dwindled after India’s treaty suspension. Political leaders’ statements are being scrutinized for hints of further action, while border skirmishes provide fodder for YouTubers amplifying war hysteria.

It remains unclear whether Pakistan will retaliate by targeting Indian YouTube channels. Analysts warn that the digital conflict risks deepening the divide between the two nations, with social media serving as a volatile battleground for public opinion.

Follow The Raisina Hills on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn