ISLAMABAD:
In a significant legal development, an Islamabad court has directed authorities to block 27 YouTube channels accused of spreading what it termed false and inflammatory content against state institutions. The channels, many of which are affiliated with the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) or run by independent journalists, have been accused of promoting narratives that could “undermine national stability.”
The directive came in a written two-page order issued on Tuesday by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah, following a petition filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The agency launched its inquiry into the case on June 2, with official approval from its higher command.
During a court appearance on June 24, Sub-Inspector Waseem Khan from NCCIA’s Cyber Crime Reporting Centre presented evidence against the targeted channels. He told the court that the content being broadcast was not only defamatory and factually incorrect but also designed to instigate public unrest, “cause panic,” and “sow discord among key state institutions.”
The court was informed that the material included provocative and derogatory remarks aimed at undermining the image of the military and judiciary, while also allegedly attempting to provoke both the public and security personnel.
Citing Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), the NCCIA requested formal legal authorization to ask Google LLC—the parent company of YouTube—to block the identified channels. After reviewing the evidence, the court concluded that the case presented “sufficient grounds” for action under PECA as well as the broader penal code of Pakistan.
The magistrate’s order instructs YouTube to immediately block or remove the listed channels, naming several high-profile journalists and commentators in the process. These include Moeed Pirzada, Imran Riaz Khan, Matiullah Jan, Asad Toor, Ahmed Noorani, Sabir Shakir, and Aftab Iqbal, all of whom have been known for their critical views on state policies in recent years.
The blocked channels, according to officials, have been under observation for repeatedly sharing “anti-state rhetoric” and “unverified claims” targeting national institutions.
The decision has already sparked intense debate on press freedom, censorship, and digital rights in Pakistan, with several journalist groups expected to issue formal responses in the coming days.
