An Islamabad court has ordered the blocking of 27 YouTube channels, including some run by prominent journalists. The decision was made after a petition filed by the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) presented evidence that these channels were spreading disinformation and content deemed harmful to state institutions. The court found that the material was insulting and inflammatory towards the army, judiciary, and other government bodies.
Among the channels ordered to be blocked are those linked to journalists Matiullah Jan, Asad Toor, Siddique Jan, Orya Maqbool Jan, Habib Akram, and several affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The court’s judgment stated that the content could create public fear and mistrust, threatening national security and social stability.
The FIA began its inquiry on June 2 and gathered sufficient proof for the court to take action. The court ruled that the material violated sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Based on this, authorities were directed to immediately block access to the named channels on YouTube.
This ban highlights ongoing efforts by Pakistani authorities to regulate digital platforms. The government aims to prevent the spread of what it calls harmful and anti-state narratives online. This move follows earlier crackdowns on hundreds of YouTube channels accused of similar violations.
The court emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and protecting national interests through responsible media use. It also stressed the need for online platforms to ensure content complies with the law.
The blocking of these YouTube channels is likely to have wide implications for media freedom and online expression in Pakistan, stirring debate among activists and legal experts.
Pakistan has recently blocked over 3,000 YouTube channels for anti-state content. This move is part of ongoing efforts to regulate online platforms and protect national security.
