Hajra Naz
A local court in Islamabad has ordered 27 prominent YouTube channels to be blocked. Several belong to well-known journalists and media personalities. The ruling follows a request from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which flagged the channels over alleged anti-state content.
The request was reviewed by Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah. After examining the FIA’s two‑page petition and supporting evidence—which the court described as “satisfactory,”—the judge instructed YouTube to act immediately, citing potential threats to national interest.
Here is the complete list:
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Haider Mehdi
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Siddique Jaan
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Sabee Kazmi
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Orya Maqbool Jan
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Arzoo Kazmi
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Rana Uzair Speaks
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Sajid Gondal
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Habib Akram
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Matiullah Jan MJtv
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Asad Toor Uncensored
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Imran Raza Khan
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Naya Pakistan
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Sabir Shakir
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Imran Khan
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Aftab Iqbal
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Real Entertainment TV
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Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf
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Daily Qudrat
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Abdul Qadir
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Charsadda Journalist
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Naila Pakistani Reaction
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Wajahat Saeed Khan YouTube
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Ahmad Noorani YouTube
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Nazar Chohan YouTube
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Moeed Pirzada YouTube
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Makhdoom Shahabud Din YouTube
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Shayan Ali YouTube
The court’s order refers to an investigation that began on June 2. The FIA says it uncovered anti-state content in the videos and shared evidence with the judiciary. The court accepted that evidence and authorized the channel takedowns as a legal measure under national security laws.
The court instructed the YouTube officer-in-charge to block these channels without delay.
What This Means
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Press Freedom & Censorship
The move raises serious concerns about press freedom in Pakistan. Critics say it may stifle open discourse, even on platforms operated by independent journalists.
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Digital Regulation & National Security
The action reflects growing state control over digital content. The FIA and other agencies have increasingly relied on legal tools to regulate online speech.
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User Impact
Millions of subscribers are now cut off from these channels. Their digital footprint, viewer engagements, and ability to monetize content are facing an immediate halt.
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Legal Precedent
This marks one of the largest mass-blocks of digital content in Pakistan to date. It sets a benchmark for future government interventions in online media.
