India Blocks Pakistani Drama Channels on YouTube Citing National Security After Pahalgam Terror Attack

In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has taken action by restricting access to several popular Pakistani drama channels on YouTube.

Viewers in India can no longer access channels such as ARY Digital, Har Pal Geo, and Hum TV. Instead, a notice appears stating: “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.”

The move follows recommendations made by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Celebrity Instagram Accounts Inaccessible in India

The crackdown has gone beyond YouTube, extending to social media platforms as well. Several Pakistani actors have found their Instagram accounts inaccessible to Indian users.

Among the affected celebrities are Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Bilal Abbas, Iqra Aziz, Imran Abbas, and Sajal Aly. However, some celebrities such as Fawad Khan and Wahaj Ali have not been impacted and remain accessible in India.

Broadening Scope of Restrictions After Pahalgam Attack

These actions come as part of broader measures taken by Indian authorities following the terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the death of 26 tourists.

Earlier, the Indian government had banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading provocative and misleading content targeting the country and its security forces.

The latest development has now widened the scope of restrictions to include entertainment content as well.

Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal Film Release Cancelled in India

In a related step, the release of Fawad Khan’s film Abir Gulaal in India has been cancelled.

The movie, which also stars Indian actor Vaani Kapoor, had already been banned in Pakistan. The decision to halt its Indian release aligns with ongoing actions taken after the Pahalgam incident.

Pakistani Dramas Had Built Strong Indian Fanbase

Pakistani dramas have gained substantial popularity among Indian viewers due to their emotionally driven narratives, relatable characters, and concise storytelling formats.

Dramas such as Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Humsafar, Mere Humsafar, and Tere Bin developed cult status across Indian households. These shows helped Pakistani actors like Mahira Khan, Wahaj Ali, and Yumna Zaidi become widely recognized among Indian audiences.

Despite persistent political tensions between the two nations, Indian fans continued to follow these dramas via YouTube and social media. That engagement, however, now faces disruption due to the latest bans.

Notice of Ban Visible on YouTube Channels

Users attempting to access the banned Pakistani channels are now greeted with the message: “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.”

Interestingly, some users on specific networks, like Jio, have reported being able to watch the videos, although the homepage still displays the government-issued ban notice.

India’s Measures Against Pakistan Post-Attack

The terror attack in Pahalgam prompted India to take several firm actions against Pakistan. These included stopping the flow of Indus River water into Pakistan, increasing border restrictions, and implementing a ban on Pakistani actors working in Indian films.

Initially, the Indian government focused on banning 16 Pakistani YouTube channels accused of spreading “provocative and communally sensitive” content and “false, misleading narratives” targeting Indian institutions.

These measures have now expanded to block access to entertainment content from Pakistan.

Government Justifies Ban as National Security Measure

According to an official statement, the Indian government defended the bans on the grounds that the affected channels and accounts were disseminating unverified and misleading information.

This content was reportedly aimed at causing panic, inciting communal disharmony, and threatening public order within India.

The channels allegedly published fake news concerning subjects such as the Indian Army, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, and India’s foreign relations, especially in connection with the Pahalgam attack.

Official Pakistan Government X Handle Withheld

In another related move, the Indian government withheld access to the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Government of Pakistan. This action followed the devastating attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 civilian lives and left several injured.

These sweeping digital and cultural restrictions highlight the escalating tensions between the two countries in the aftermath of the deadly terror incident.