New Delhi Update
On Sunday, the Indian government took action by blocking the X-accounts of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, and Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and founder of PTI. Both of their official accounts have been withheld due to content deemed anti-Indian and potentially harmful, reflecting the current tensions.
This move follows previous actions where India blocked the official X-handle of the Pakistan government and Defence Minister Kwaja Asif’s account. It also withheld the account of Pakistani Information and Broadcasting Minister Ataura Talar shortly after claims emerged that India might be planning a military strike based on “reliable information.”
The backdrop for these actions includes recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Pahargam, Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Additionally, India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels over their distribution of provocative and sensitive content. These channels contribute to misleading narratives targeting India, its military, and security agencies.
The decision arose from recommendations made by the Ministry of Home Affairs following the attacks in Pahargam. The banned channels include notable names like Dawn News, Ary News, and Geo News, known for disseminating disinformation connected to India’s national security and public order.
These YouTube channels reportedly had a large cumulative viewership and were accused of spreading false information aimed at inciting panic and community discord.
In response to the recent violence, India initiated a strong diplomatic reaction, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the attack as one against innocent civilians. The attack, linked to a terrorism front based in Pakistan, exacerbated existing tensions between the two nations.
The Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Modi, decided on various strict measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border, canceling the SAARC Visa Waiver Scheme for Pakistani citizens, expelling Pakistani troops from New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at both countries’ high commissions.
