New Delhi, May 2, 2025: In a new escalation of digital censorship, the Indian government has blocked the official YouTube channel of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, citing content violations, days after his speech at the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul was uploaded to the platform.
The takedown comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). According to YouTube, the video was removed after a formal complaint by the Indian authorities, although the platform clarified that PM Shehbaz retains the right to appeal the decision.
The move is being widely viewed as part of a broader clampdown by the Narendra Modi-led government on Pakistani digital content that presents an alternative narrative on the Kashmir conflict and recent developments.
Earlier, India had also blocked the YouTube channels of prominent Pakistani cricketers Shoaib Akhtar, Basit Ali, and Rashid Latif—all known for voicing strong opinions on cricket and regional politics. Akhtar’s channel, with over 3.5 million subscribers, had featured recent commentary critical of Indian policies in IIOJK.
In addition, 16 Pakistani news channels have reportedly been banned from broadcasting in India, including major networks such as ARY News, Geo News, Dawn News, Samaa TV, Bol News, and Suno News.
Observers and digital rights advocates have criticized the bans as an infringement on freedom of speech and press, suggesting they are designed to suppress dissent and alternative viewpoints amid growing international scrutiny of the situation in Kashmir.
