By Zainab Shafiq 
As tensions flare between India and Pakistan following Indian airstrikes on multiple Pakistani regions, Pakistan’s top telecom regulator has launched a sweeping crackdown on Indian digital content. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced it has blocked 16 Indian YouTube channels, 31 video links, and 32 websites or news channels over what it described as the dissemination of “false information and anti-Pakistan propaganda.”
The move, PTA says, is part of a broader national security effort amid escalating hostilities and reflects Islamabad’s resolve to protect its digital space from what it calls “coordinated disinformation campaigns.”
Pakistan Takes Action Amid Airstrikes by Blocking Multiple Misleading YouTube Channels
According to a press release, the PTA said the banned content was aimed at spreading “misleading and harmful narratives” designed to manipulate public opinion and undermine Pakistan’s national unity. The decision follows a night of missile, air, and drone attacks by India on May 6–7, which targeted five Pakistani regions, including Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian strikes reportedly resulted in civilian casualties — including women and children — and damaged vital infrastructure such as mosques and a hydropower facility in areas like Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Shakargarh, Muridke, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad.
PTA labeled the Indian digital content offensive and inflammatory, stating:
“This move is part of PTA’s continued efforts to combat disinformation and ensure the responsible use of digital platforms.”
It added that further monitoring would be conducted and “firm action” would be taken against any content that threatens the country’s national interests.
Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, confirmed the action during a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication.
“India has been regularly banning Pakistani content — including our official X (formerly Twitter) accounts, politicians’ profiles like those of Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto. Our action mirrors theirs,” he told the committee.
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