On July 8, 2025, an Islamabad court approved the blocking of 27 prominent YouTube channels in Pakistan. The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing requested the action, alleging these channels spread misleading and fake content. The channels, with millions of subscribers, were accused of targeting state institutions, prompting legal intervention to curb their influence.
FIA Accuses Channels of Spreading Misinformation
The FIA claimed these YouTube networks disseminated harmful and inaccurate information. Their content allegedly incited public panic, fear, and hostility toward government agencies and officials. Additionally, the FIA accused them of violating privacy laws and contributing to social unrest. The agency emphasized the need to curb such narratives to maintain national stability and public trust in state institutions.
Legal Action Under PECA Section 37
The Cyber Crime Wing sought court approval under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Sub-Inspector M. Waseem Khan formally submitted the request, seeking authority to contact Google LLC for channel removal. This legal move highlights Pakistan’s increasing efforts to regulate digital content and hold platforms accountable for spreading disinformation.
List of Affected YouTube Channels
The court order identified 27 channels, including prominent names like:
| Sr. No. | YouTube Channel Name | Notable Personality/Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haider Mehdi | Haider Mehdi |
| 2 | Siddique Jan | Siddique Jan |
| 3 | Sabee Kazmi | Sabeeh Kazmi |
| 4 | Orya Maqbool Jan | Orya Maqbool Jan |
| 5 | Arzoo Kazmi | Arzoo Kazmi |
| 6 | Rana Uzair Speaks | Rana Uzair |
| 7 | Sajid Gondal | Sajid Gondal |
| 8 | Habib Akram | Habib Akram |
| 9 | Matiullah Jan MJTV | Matiullah Jan |
| 10 | Asad Toor | Asad Toor |
| 11 | Imran Riaz Khan | Imran Riaz Khan |
| 12 | Naya Pakistan | – |
| 13 | Sabir Shakir | Sabir Shakir |
| 14 | Imran Khan | Imran Khan (PTI-related) |
| 15 | Aftab Iqbal | Aftab Iqbal |
| 16 | Reel Entertainment TV | – |
| 17 | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf | PTI Official (Likely) |
| 18 | Daily Qudrat | – |
| 19 | Qadir Qadri | Qadir Qadri |
| 20 | Charsadda Journalist | – |
| 21 | Naila Pakistani Reaction | Naila Pakistani |
| 22 | Wajahat Saeed Khan | Wajahat Saeed Khan |
| 23 | Ahmad Noorani | Ahmad Noorani |
| 24 | Nazar Chohan | Nazar Chohan |
| 25 | Moeed Pirzada | Moeed Pirzada |
| 26 | Makhdoom Shahab ud Din | Makhdoom Shahab ud Din |
| 27 | Shayan Ali | Shayan Ali |
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YouTube Begins Issuing Warning Emails
YouTube has reportedly started sending warning emails to the owners of these channels. The platform’s compliance with the court order suggests a coordinated effort to enforce digital regulations. This step may lead to channel suspensions or terminations, significantly impacting Pakistan’s online media landscape and content creators’ operations.
Implications for Digital Freedom
The government’s action raises concerns about digital freedom and censorship. While authorities argue it’s necessary to prevent misinformation, critics fear it may stifle free speech. The move reflects ongoing tensions between state control and digital expression, setting a precedent for future content regulation in Pakistan’s online space.
Conclusion
The shutdown of 27 YouTube channels marks a significant step in Pakistan’s digital governance. While aimed at curbing misinformation, it sparks debates over freedom of expression. As YouTube complies with legal directives, the long-term impact on content creators and digital discourse remains to be seen. The case underscores the challenges of balancing regulation with online freedoms.
