ISLAMABAD: A local court in Islamabad has ordered the blocking of 27 YouTube channels for spreading anti-state content. Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah issued the order on Tuesday after reviewing evidence provided by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The court accepted the FIA’s request, which was based on an investigation that began on June 2. According to the two-page order, the court found the evidence credible and ruled that immediate action was necessary.
The FIA claimed that these YouTube channels were involved in spreading misinformation and creating unrest. The court instructed YouTube’s management to block the listed channels without delay.
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Prominent Names Targeted
The ban includes channels run by several well-known journalists and political commentators. Among those named are Matiullah Jan, Asad Toor, Siddique Jan, Orya Maqbool Jan, Habib Akram, and Imran Riaz Khan.
Other content creators affected include Sabir Shakir, Aftab Iqbal, Wajahat S. Khan, Moeed Pirzada, Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Haider Mehdi, Sabih Kazmi, Arzoo Kazmi, and Sajid Gondal.
The court also ordered the blocking of channels affiliated with Rana Azhar and members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The ruling comes amid growing government pressure on digital platforms. The authorities argue that some online voices are threatening national stability and spreading propaganda.
Court Finds Evidence Sufficient
In its decision, the court stated it was fully satisfied with the FIA’s findings. The investigation, which reviewed videos and digital content, pointed to repeated violations of national interest.
The judge ruled that freedom of speech does not protect content that threatens the state or spreads hate. The court emphasized the need to act against such channels to maintain public order.
So far, YouTube has not issued an official response. However, digital rights activists are concerned about the scope and criteria of such bans.
The move signals stricter control over online spaces and raises questions about the balance between security and freedom of expression.
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