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27 YouTube Channels Banned in Pakistan: A Crackdown on Free Speech or Necessary Regulation?
A court in Islamabad has recently ordered the blocking of 27 YouTube channels in Pakistan. This decision has started a big debate, both in the country and internationally. The court said these channels spread harmful, exciting, and false information. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) pushed for this action. Many journalists, press freedom supporters, and human rights groups have criticized the decision, while the government says it is needed to stop false information and keep the country safe.
This blog post looks at important parts of the controversial ban, the affected platforms, the laws behind it, and what it means for digital freedom in Pakistan.
Why Were These 27 YouTube Channels Banned?
The court order, issued by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah on June 24, 2025, accuses the channels of:
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Spreading “fake and misleading” information against state institutions.
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Violating the privacy and dignity of government and military officials.
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Provoking public unrest and attempting to create discord among state pillars 36.
The NCCIA claimed these channels were engaged in a “systematic campaign” to undermine state institutions, prompting the court to direct YouTube to block them under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 1011.
Who Are the Affected Channels?
The banned channels include prominent journalists, political commentators, and opposition voices, such as:
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Matiullah Jan (MJtv) – A senior journalist known for critical reporting on military interference.
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Asad Ali Toor – An independent journalist covering enforced disappearances and military abuses.
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Imran Riaz Khan – A pro-PTI commentator with millions of followers.
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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – The official channel of Imran Khan’s party.
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Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, Ahmad Noorani – Other well-known analysts critical of the establishment 3510.
Many of these creators claim they were not given a chance to defend themselves before the ban, raising concerns over due process and freedom of expression .
Government Justification vs. Press Freedom Concerns
Government’s Stance
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The Interior Ministry argues that the ban is necessary to prevent “chaos” and misinformation.
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State Minister Talal Chaudhry warned that channel owners could face criminal charges under cybercrime laws .
Criticism from Rights Groups
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Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) called the ban a “wholesale suppression of dissent”, arguing that blocking entire channels—instead of specific content—sets a dangerous precedent .
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Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) condemned the move as “economic strangulation” of journalists who rely on YouTube for income 1.
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Digital rights activists highlight that YouTube has no legal entity in Pakistan, raising questions about enforcement .
What Happens Next?
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YouTube’s Compliance – The platform may geo-block these channels in Pakistan while keeping them accessible globally .
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Legal Appeals – Some creators, like Asad Toor, plan to challenge the ban in higher courts 8.
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Shift to Alternative Platforms – Banned YouTubers may migrate to X (Twitter), Telegram, or Rumble to bypass restrictions .
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Increased Censorship Fears – Critics warn this could lead to more crackdowns on independent media 26.
Conclusion: A Threat to Democracy or a Necessary Step?
The shutdown of 27 YouTube channels has increased Pakistan’s conflict between safety and free speech. The government says it is stopping harmful content, but journalists and activists view it as a way to stop criticism.
As digital media becomes the last refuge for free speech in Pakistan, this case could set a precedent for how far online censorship will go. Will Pakistan follow a path of greater transparency, or will dissenting voices continue to be systematically silenced?
What do you think? Is this ban justified, or is it an attack on press freedom? Share your thoughts in the comments!
