The X (formerly Twitter) account of Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has been blocked in India following his recent remarks alleging an “imminent” military incursion by India. His claim came after the deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead.
Asif’s interview intensified tensions between the two nations, especially as India launched a diplomatic and security response after the Pahalgam attack. Among other developments, India is reportedly preparing short, mid, and long-term plans concerning the Indus River amid a growing threat of a so-called “water bomb” and has effectively frozen the Indus Waters Treaty processes with Pakistan. In response, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dismissed India’s stance as a “worn-out narrative.”
Separately, the Indian government took firm action against Pakistani digital platforms. Sixteen Pakistani YouTube channels, including major outlets like Dawn News, SAMAA TV, ARY NEWS, BOL NEWS, and Geo News, were blocked for allegedly spreading “false, provocative, and communally sensitive content” related to India and its security forces after the Pahalgam tragedy.
Officials stated, “On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has banned Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives, and misinformation against India, its Army and security agencies in the backdrop of the tragic Pahalgam terror incident.”
India also strongly objected to BBC’s reporting on the attack, further reflecting heightened sensitivities as security and diplomatic measures continue to escalate in the region.
