Journalists’ YouTube Channels Among 27 Blocked Over ‘Anti-State Content’, FIA Gets Court Approval

A court in Islamabad has granted permission to the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing to block 27 Pakistani YouTube channels.

The decision was made following a formal petition by the FIA’s Cyber Crime Circle, which accused the identified channels of spreading false, misleading, and defamatory content—particularly targeting state institutions and government officials.

According to the FIA, the content propagated by these platforms allegedly incited public fear, spread panic, and promoted hostility toward key government entities, posing a risk to public order and institutional integrity.

The 27 YouTube Channels Named in the Court Order:

• Haider Mehdi

• Siddique Jan

• Sabeeq Kazmi

• Orya Maqbool Jan

• Arzoo Kazmi

• Rana Uzair Speaks

• Sajid Gondal

• Habib Akram

• Matiullah Jan

• Asad Toor

• Imran Riaz Khan

• Naya Pakistan

• Sabir Shakir

• Imran Khan

• Aftab Iqbal

• Reel Entertainment TV

• Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

• Daily Qudrat

• Qadir Qadri

• Chandasai Journalists

• Naila Pakistani Reaction

• Wajahat Saeed Khan

• Ahmad Noorani

• Nazar Chohan

• Moeed Pirzada

• Makhdoom Shahab ud Din

• Shayan Ali

This unprecedented action marks a broader move by authorities to regulate digital spaces, particularly in the wake of heightened political tension and online polarization. While some see the move as a necessary measure to protect institutional integrity and public order, critics are likely to raise concerns regarding freedom of speech and press freedom in Pakistan’s digital landscape.

No further details were released regarding timelines or appeals, but the channels in question now face imminent restrictions.