In yet another escalation of censorship and political retaliation, India has banned popular Pakistani drama channels on YouTube, including ARY Digital, Har Pal Geo, and Hum TV, following the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
The move, said to be recommended by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, has sparked disappointment among fans and content creators alike, as Pakistan’s television dramas had built a strong and loyal following in India over the past decade.
Viewers attempting to access these channels now receive a notice stating:
“This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.”
The decision affects millions of Indian households who had grown emotionally attached to Pakistani drama content for its nuanced storytelling, relatable family narratives, and compact episode formats.
From Zindagi Gulzar Hai to Mere Humsafar and Tere Bin, Pakistani shows have become a regular fixture in many Indian homes, especially since their surge in popularity began in 2016. Pakistani stars like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Wahaj Ali, and Yumna Zaidi had even become household names across the border.
Interestingly, the ban appears inconsistent — users on certain Indian networks like Jio can still access the dramas, even as a government notice is displayed on the homepage. This selective application has raised questions about the true intent behind the ban.
In a broader crackdown, India had earlier blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, accusing them of spreading “provocative” or “misleading” content. The ban has since widened, targeting entertainment platforms that had no connection to political messaging, raising concerns about censorship and freedom of expression.
India’s actions come amid a wave of retaliatory moves post-Pahalgam — from suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, to banning Pakistani actors in Indian films, and now, silencing digital cultural exchange.
Even cross-border projects like Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s upcoming film "Abir Gulaal" have reportedly been blocked by both countries, as political temperatures continue to rise.
Despite the bans, Pakistani content continues to thrive online through alternate platforms, and fans across the world are still tuning in.
