A local court in Islamabad has ordered 27 blocked YouTube channels for allegedly spreading false and misleading information against state institutions. The court issued the decision on Tuesday after reviewing evidence provided by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah passed a two-page written order following a petition filed by the NCCIA. According to the order, the agency’s investigation found that the targeted channels were involved in distributing harmful content that could disturb public peace and provoke unrest.
The NCCIA began its inquiry on June 2 after receiving official approval. On June 24, Sub-Inspector Waseem Khan from the Cyber Crime Reporting Centre informed the court about the investigation. He reported that the channels were publishing “false, defamatory, and provocative” material aimed at damaging the reputation of state institutions and creating division among the public and armed forces.
The investigation revealed that 27 YouTube channels were responsible for spreading such content. The agency requested the court to take legal action under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. It also asked for a formal order to be sent to Google LLC, the parent company of YouTube, for the removal of the blocked YouTube channels.
After reviewing all evidence, the court agreed that the actions of these channels were punishable under Pakistan’s cybercrime and penal laws. The court directed the relevant officer at YouTube to take necessary action to remove or block the identified channels.
Most of the blocked YouTube channels are associated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) or run by journalists such as Moeed Pirzada, Asad Ali Toor, Ahmed Noorani, Matiullah Jan, Imran Riaz Khan, Sabir Shakir, and Aftab Iqbal.
The order emphasizes the importance of curbing digital misinformation to maintain public order and uphold national integrity.
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