DigiMAP Condemns India’s Ban on Pakistani YouTube Channels, Digital Media
News Desk
Islamabad: The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) has strongly condemned the Indian government’s decision to restrict access to several Pakistani YouTube channels, social media platforms, and independent digital media outlets.
In an official statement issued Tuesday, DigiMAP said that among the affected platforms is its member outlet Naya Daur TV, alongside other digital media spaces known for promoting balanced, research-driven, and peace-oriented narratives in the region.
“These platforms have refused to echo state-sponsored rhetoric and instead offered nuanced perspectives on regional tensions, advocating for dialogue, restraint, and de-escalation between India and Pakistan,” the statement said. “Regrettably, these constructive efforts have been met with censorship and blanket bans.”
Sabookh Syed, President of DigiMAP, criticized the Indian government’s actions, saying, “Silencing independent voices does not safeguard democracy — it weakens it. By shutting down moderate and peace-oriented platforms, the Indian government is not preventing conflict; it is empowering extremism. This is not merely a media issue — it is a matter of peace and stability in South Asia.”
Ali Warsi, Editor at Naya Daur, also expressed disappointment. “Our platforms have endured offensive, racist, and abusive comments from Indian users — and yet, we chose dialogue over censorship. Unfortunately, that spirit of tolerance has not been reciprocated.”
DigiMAP said these bans represent a direct assault on freedom of expression, democratic values, and inter-state communication. “Suppressing independent journalism creates an information vacuum that is rapidly filled with hate-driven, unregulated voices — and the consequences of that can be catastrophic,” the alliance warned.
The organization called on international media rights bodies, civil society groups, and democratic governments to urgently respond to what it described as a troubling escalation. “These actions threaten not only the integrity of journalism but also human dignity and the fragile prospects for peace in the region,” the statement concluded.
DigiMAP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting open dialogue, mutual respect, and regional peace through independent journalism.
