In a big push to silence opposing voices, a court in Islamabad has ordered 27 YouTube channels to be blocked. Most of these channels are run by Pakistani journalists, commentators, and activists who have often criticized the government and military. The decision came after a request from Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and was approved by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah.

Who has been targeted?

Among those affected are channels belonging to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, journalist Arzoo Kazmi, and several well-known critics of the country’s powerful institutions. Many believe this is a direct attack on freedom of speech, as the government tries to shut down voices that challenge its authority. The magistrate stated he was convinced by the FIA’s evidence, which accused these channels of sharing “anti-state content.”

YouTube instructed to act

The court has directed YouTube’s in-charge officer to block access to these channels and confirmed that the FIA has the legal authority to do so. The FIA began its investigation on June 2 and claimed to have gathered sufficient proof before presenting it in court.

Full list of channels

The channels targeted include those 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.

Censorship, threats, and forced exile

In recent times, many Pakistani YouTubers have reported that their content has been restricted or hidden from viewers in Pakistan. Some creators have even fled the country out of fear of being arrested or forcibly disappeared, continuing their work from abroad instead.

Experts question effectiveness

According to tech experts, such bans won’t be fully effective without cooperation from YouTube itself. “A court order alone isn’t enough to completely block a channel; YouTube needs to step in for it to work properly,” said a senior IT consultant, suggesting that the move may be more symbolic than practical.

A striking irony

This move shows a clear irony: while India has blocked several Pakistani channels for spreading propaganda, Pakistan is now silencing its own citizens for allegedly sharing anti-state views. For example, Arzoo Kazmi’s channel has ended up banned in both India and Pakistan.