WEB DESK: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is among 16 Pakistanis whose YouTube channels have been banned in India, following the recent Pahalgam incident in Occupied Kashmir.
This action adds to India’s ongoing efforts to limit freedom of expression by restricting access to the voices of Pakistani content creators.
According to reports from Indian media, based on government sources, the ban on these channels was recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Authorities alleged that, the channels were disseminating misinformation and promoting false narratives in the wake of the Pahalgam incident.
The collective audience of these channels amounted to nearly 63 million subscribers, highlighting their significant reach. Shoaib Akhtar’s channel, which boasts over 3.5 million followers, is known for its straightforward and bold commentary on cricket and various social issues.
The decision to silence voices like Akhtar’s reflects a troubling trend regarding dissent in India. Despite its self-proclaimed status as a champion of democracy and free speech, this action underscores a growing intolerance for dissenting views, even from international figures.
Moreover, the bans affect several influential Pakistani media outlets, including well-known platforms like Geo News, ARY News, and Dawn News, further demonstrating the broad implications of this crackdown on free expression.
