Amid growing tensions between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reportedly created a list of well-known Pakistani YouTubers accused of running hate campaigns targeting the state and military leadership.
Sources within the PTA reveal that the authority has approached the federal government for immediate approval to block these YouTube channels from operating within the country. This initiative is part of a wider strategy to tackle online content that could threaten national security or disrupt public order during the ongoing diplomatic strain.
Read more: PTA Moves to Curb Anti-State Content Amid Regional Strains
Notable figures named in the list include Imran Riaz, Sabir Shakir, Siddique Jan, and Shahbaz Gill. Meanwhile, the PTA has already blocked the channels of Ahmed Noorani and Waqar Malik in Pakistan.
Although action against these remaining individuals is pending government approval, the PTA has already submitted the compiled data to YouTube’s management, requesting further steps be taken on their end.
In a statement to News Guru, a PTA spokesperson confirmed that scrutiny is ongoing against the content of YouTubers like Imran Riaz, Sabir Shakir, Siddique Jan, and Shahbaz Gill. The authority has officially requested directions from the government to initiate blocking procedures against them.
“The decision will be made as per the government’s instructions. We’ve shared the necessary information with YouTube’s team,” the spokesperson explained, noting that due to confidentiality, specific names could not be publicly disclosed.
The spokesperson further confirmed that the YouTube channels of Ahmed Noorani and Waqar Malik are no longer accessible within Pakistan. “These have already been blocked locally,” they said.
The PTA has also asked YouTube to take down various accounts allegedly promoting anti-state narratives. According to the authority, a total of 3,248 channels spreading anti-Pakistan content have been blocked. In addition, the PTA has blocked 119,496 URLs carrying unlawful content overall.
On a related note, the PTA spokesperson mentioned that 68 Indian YouTube channels have also been blocked in Pakistan at the authority’s request.
While the PTA has the authority to restrict or remove illegal digital content, the official emphasized that matters related to arrests or legal proceedings fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies. Relevant actions may be taken under provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PICA) and the Pakistan Penal Code.
