Overview

• India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including 25 Indians.
• The banned channels, including prominent outlets like Dawn, Samaa TV, and ARY News, were accused of spreading misinformation and targeting India's security forces.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs recommended the ban as part of efforts to counter false narratives and protect communal harmony in the aftermath of the attack.
• The Pahalgam attack, described as one of the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama strike, heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
• This move reflects India's broader strategy to curb cross-border media influence and safeguard national security in sensitive regions.