You will no longer be able to watch Dawn News, one of Pakistan’s largest media brands, on YouTube in India. Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attacks, the Indian government has banned sixteen Pakistani YouTube channels. The banned Pakistani YouTube channels include major outlets such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News,Geo News, Irshad Bhatti, BOL News, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News HD and Razi Naama.
“Propagating Misinformation”
According to reports quoting government sources, these channels have been banned for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, as well as for spreading false and misleading narratives. They are also accused of propagating misinformation against India, its Army, and its security agencies.
The Pahalgam Terror Attack
The Indian government’s crackdown of Pakistani YouTube channels available in India follows their coverage of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Terrorists attacked tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 28 and injuring many others. The attack took place in Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination near Pahalgam.
Demand For FATF Action
The Indian government has announced a series of steps, including the downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan and the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. Now, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has sought crackdown by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the intergovernmental body that sets global standards for combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. Speaking to media in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, Owaisi said, "It is important to put Pakistan on the FATF's 'Grey' list again. Pakistan's deep state and establishment want that there should be a Hindu-Muslim divide in India, and this is the reason they did this (Pahalgam attack).
"Will Bring Pak To Its Knees": Puri
The Indian government is toughening its stance on Pakistan. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has warned Pakistan of action that will bring it to its knees. Pri said, “Pakistan has been using terror as an instrument of state policy now for as long as I remember. Governments before Modi Ji would express some anger and then return to normalcy soon after. What the government will be doing is not for us here to speculate. We have a strong, mature government. These stupid statements coming from there (Pakistan), they need to get their mental situation checked. This time there will be no compromise and the government will take strict action. They will be brought down to their knees.”
