Pakistan court orders shutdown of 27 YouTube channels, including those of prominent journalists
Islamabad | July 8, 2025
In a major development raising alarms about media freedom and digital expression in Pakistan, a local court has directed authorities to block 27 YouTube channels, including those run by renowned journalists and commentators such as Matiullah Jan, Asad Toor, Siddique Jan, Imran Riaz Khan, Habib Akram, Orya Maqbool Jan, and Aftab Iqbal.
The court order came in response to a petition filed by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing, which alleged that these channels were consistently spreading “misleading, provocative, and anti-institutional content” that could endanger state security and public order.
“These channels are publishing false narratives, fake news, and inciting content against the country’s institutions—particularly the judiciary and the military,” the FIA stated, arguing that the videos were eroding public trust and promoting fear, confusion, and even rebellion.
According to court documents, the FIA initiated a formal inquiry into the matter on June 2, following a pattern of controversial uploads. The agency also submitted detailed reports highlighting that several videos had generated widespread public backlash and promoted disinformation campaigns.
The court directed Google’s designated officer in Pakistan to immediately restrict access to the identified YouTube channels, which include not only independent voices but also the official YouTube channel of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the country’s main opposition party.
Public Reaction: “First TV Bans, Now YouTube?”
The decision has sparked outrage across social media, with critics questioning the need for silencing voices that are already banned on mainstream television platforms in Pakistan.
“If some anchors have crossed the line, take legal action — but banning YouTube altogether is choking digital speech,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Civil society groups and media watchdogs have also raised concerns, calling the move part of a broader campaign to suppress opposition and dissenting narratives, particularly as opposition lawmakers are also being suspended from the Punjab Assembly in parallel developments.
“We’re witnessing a full-scale clampdown on political and journalistic voices. From Parliament to platforms, every channel of opposition is being muted,” said a senior media analyst.
Where Are the Voices Now?
As 27 YouTube channels — including those of some of Pakistan’s most outspoken journalists — face shutdown orders, a deafening silence echoes from the mainstream media.
No primetime protest.
No panel discussions.
No solidarity statements from on-air anchors.
When freedom of speech is under direct attack, and fellow journalists are being digitally erased, the lack of reaction from TV screens raises a chilling question:
👉 Is this professional neutrality, or criminal silence?
When those who speak truth are silenced, and those with platforms stay silent, democracy doesn’t die in a blackout — it dies in whispers.
What’s Next?
The pressing question now is whether YouTube and its parent company, Google, will comply with FIA’s legal request to disable access to these channels within Pakistan, or globally. There has been no official comment from Google at this time.
The case has ignited a fresh debate about freedom of speech, digital rights, and the role of regulatory bodies in a democracy. For now, all eyes are on whether YouTube will act on the court’s directive—or whether the global platform will push back against what many are calling a “politically motivated gag order.”
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