Amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reportedly compiled a list of prominent Pakistani YouTubers accused of running hate campaigns against the state and military leadership.
According to sources within the PTA, the agency has submitted requests to the federal government seeking immediate approval to block and shut down these YouTube channels operating within Pakistan.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to curb content deemed detrimental to national security and public order during the ongoing diplomatic strain.
The list reportedly includes well-known personalities such as:
- Imran Riaz
- Sabir Shakir
- Siddique Jan
- Shahbaz Gill
- Ahmed Noorani
- Waqar Malik
However, the authority is still awaiting official government clearance to proceed with blocking other channels on the list. In addition, the compiled data, highlighting individuals accused of spreading anti-army propaganda, has been shared with YouTube’s administration for further action.
According to PTA, YouTube has been requested to take down several accounts promoting anti-state narratives. “So far,
3,248 YouTube channels spreading anti-Pakistan content have been blocked,” the official revealed. In a broader context, the PTA has blocked a total of
119,496 URLs containing unlawful content.
On a separate note, the spokesperson mentioned that upon PTA’s request,
YouTube blocked 68 Indian channels in Pakistan.
However, the spokesperson clarified that while the PTA is empowered to block or remove illegal online content under its mandate, the responsibility of filing legal cases and conducting arrests lies with law enforcement agencies. “Various provisions of PICA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) and the Pakistan Penal Code may be invoked against those involved,” the spokesperson added.