Block of Big names on the list — major crackdown sparks censorship fears
In a bold move that’s shaking Pakistan’s digital space, an Islamabad court has ordered the blocking of 27 prominent YouTube channels, accusing them of spreading “anti-state” content in violation of cyber laws.
The order, issued by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah, came after an investigation by the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing, which began on June 2. The court said it was “satisfied with the evidence” and approved legal action under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and other laws.
Among the blocked channels are some of Pakistan’s most watched and followed names:
- Imran Riaz Khan
- PTI Official YouTube Channel
- Asad Toor Uncensored (Asad Ali Toor)
- Matiullah Jan (MJtv)
- Moeed Pirzada
- Sabir Shakir
- Aftab Iqbal
- Orya Maqbool Jan
- Habib Akram
- Ahmad Noorani
- Naya Pakistan
- Daily Qudrat
- Real Entertainment TV
The court has instructed Google (YouTube) to block or restrict access to these channels immediately.
This move follows the controversial PECA Amendment Bill 2025, which expanded the government’s powers to curb so-called “false” or “harmful” information online. Under the new law, content can be removed within 24 hours of a complaint — a measure critics say opens the door to digital censorship.
Media watchdogs and journalist bodies have slammed the move, warning that it threatens free speech and press freedom. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has already called for the repeal of the PECA amendments, calling them “coercive” and prone to abuse.
Earlier this year, two journalists — Farhan Mallick and Waheed Murad — were also arrested under the same law.
With 27 major channels silenced and questions swirling about transparency and overreach, Pakistan’s digital battlefield is heating up — and the world is watching.