Pakistan bans 27 YouTube channels for broadcasting 'anti-state content'
'The YouTube incharge officer is directed to block 27 YouTube channels,' the order stated, while also endorsing FIA's legal authority to act in the matter. The FIA reportedly began investigating the channels on June 2, and submitted what it called 'sufficient proof' before the court.Below is the list of YouTube channels identified in the court order:The list of channels identified in the court order includes that of Haider Mehdi, Siddique Jan, Sabeeq Kazmi, Orya Maqbool Jan, Arzoo Kazmi, Rana Uzair Speaks, Sajid Gondal, Habib Akram, Matiullah Jan, Asad Toor, Imran Riaz Khan, Naya Pakistan, Sabir Shakir, Imran Khan, Aftab Iqbal, Reel Entertainment TV, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Daily Qudrat, Qadir Qadri, Chandasai Journalists, Naila Pakistani Reaction, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Ahmad Noorani, Nazar Chohan, Moeed Pirzada, Makhdoom Shahab ud Din and Shayan Ali. CHANNELS FACING TECHNICAL BLOCKS, EXILE AND THREATS In recent months, several Pakistani YouTubers have complained of shadow bans, restricted reach, or complete inaccessibility of their content within Pakistan. Some content creators have fled the country, continuing to broadcast from abroad over fears of arrest or even forced disappearances, often attributed to Pakistan's deep state.EXPERTS SAY BLOCKING NEEDS YOUTUBE'S HELPHowever, technical experts say such bans may not be fully effective unless YouTube's own management cooperates with the government to block or geofence the channels.'YouTube cannot be unilaterally blocked by a court without the platform being involved,' said a senior IT consultant, calling the move more symbolic than effective unless enforced at platform level.IRONY: PAKISTAN BLOCKS ITS OWN VOICESThe development comes at a time when India has banned several Pakistani YouTube channels for misinformation and propaganda. Now, Pakistan is banning its own citizens' YouTube channels for allegedly pushing out anti-state content. Notably, Arzoo Kazmi's channel is now banned in both India and Pakistan. - EndsTune InMust Watch
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