PTA Moves to Block Prominent YouTubers Over Anti-State Content

Amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken a significant step toward curbing what it deems as anti-state and anti-military propaganda on digital platforms.

Sources within PTA confirm that the agency has submitted a list of well-known Pakistani YouTubers to the federal government, seeking approval to block their channels. The list includes names such as Imran Riaz, Sabir Shakir, Siddique Jan, and Shahbaz Gill.

The channels of Ahmed Noorani and Waqar Malik have already been blocked inside Pakistan. PTA has also provided this data to YouTube’s administration, requesting global action.

Speaking to SAMAA TV, a PTA spokesperson emphasized that the move is in line with national security priorities. “We have sent the list to the government and are awaiting instructions. Action will follow once we receive clearance,” the spokesperson stated.

PTA revealed that 3,248 YouTube channels have been blocked for spreading anti-Pakistan narratives. Additionally, 68 Indian YouTube channels have been restricted locally, and 119,496 URLs containing unlawful content have been removed as part of broader digital sanitization efforts.

The spokesperson clarified that PTA’s mandate only allows for online content control. “Legal prosecution and arrests fall under law enforcement agencies and are covered under PICA and Pakistan Penal Code provisions,” the spokesperson added.

This development comes at a time of diplomatic strain and increasing scrutiny of digital spaces in Pakistan. Critics argue it may impact freedom of speech, while officials maintain it is necessary for national security.