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, and Shahbaz Gill. PTA has already taken action by blocking the channels of Ahmed Noorani and Waqar Malik within Pakistan.
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.
Speaking to SAMAA TV, a PTA spokesperson stated that YouTubers including Imran Riaz, Sabir Shakir, Siddique Jan, and Shahbaz Gul are among those whose content has drawn scrutiny. The authority has sought instructions from the federal government to proceed with blocking their channels.
“The action will be taken on government directions. We have shared the relevant details with YouTube’s administration,” the spokesperson said, adding that the list of individuals cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality protocols.
The spokesperson also confirmed that the YouTube channels of Ahmed Noorani and Waqar Malik have already been blocked in Pakistan. “These channels are no longer accessible locally,” the official stated.
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.
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