PTA Moves to Block Prominent YouTubers Amid Anti-State Allegations

As tensions escalate between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has compiled a list of high-profile Pakistani YouTubers accused of spreading anti-state and anti-military narratives. The agency has requested federal government approval to block these channels within Pakistan.

Notable names reportedly under review include Imran Riaz, Sabir Shakir, Siddique Jan, and Shahbaz Gill. Channels run by Ahmed Noorani and Waqar Malik have already been blocked. PTA has also submitted these cases to YouTube’s administration for further action.

According to a PTA spokesperson, action will proceed upon formal government directives, with the authority citing national security and public order concerns. “We have shared the relevant data with YouTube and are awaiting final instructions,” the spokesperson told SAMAA TV, noting confidentiality protocols around the full list.

PTA disclosed that over 3,200 YouTube channels accused of promoting anti-Pakistan content have been blocked, alongside over 119,000 URLs flagged for unlawful material. Additionally, 68 Indian YouTube channels have been blocked in Pakistan at PTA’s request.

While the PTA holds authority to block digital content under PECA, legal enforcement and arrests fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies.

Source: https://www.samaa.tv/2087333670-pta-lists-major-pakistani-youtubers-running-hate-campaigns