Indian YouTuber Banned in Pakistan After Posting Video on Balochistan — Islamabad Issues Strong Statement

Tensions flared between India and Pakistan yet again this week after an Indian YouTuber was officially banned from entering Pakistan over a controversial video focused on the Balochistan region. In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior accused the YouTuber of "spreading anti-Pakistan propaganda" and "deliberately misrepresenting the situation in Balochistan to malign the country's image internationally."

While the Pakistani authorities did not name the individual in their statement, sources in Islamabad confirmed that the YouTuber in question is known for political commentary and has a substantial following across South Asia. The video, which reportedly highlighted alleged human rights violations and military actions in Balochistan, quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from viewers and igniting a political backlash.

Pakistan Responds with Ban and Condemnation

In its official press release, the Pakistani government said:

"This individual has violated our sovereignty and misused digital platforms to distort facts about Pakistan’s internal affairs. Such actions are not only irresponsible but contribute to regional instability. The individual is henceforth prohibited from entering the territory of Pakistan. We have also requested YouTube to review the content in line with its own community guidelines and regional laws."

The government further stated that legal channels are being explored to address the dissemination of what it called “false narratives aimed at inciting unrest in a sensitive region.”

India Yet to Issue Official Comment

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued a formal response to the ban. However, officials familiar with the matter told reporters that the Indian government is “monitoring the situation” and will respond appropriately if any diplomatic communication is initiated by Islamabad.

Balochistan — A Sensitive Issue

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, has long been a flashpoint in the country’s internal politics. The region has seen ongoing separatist insurgency, political tensions, and military operations, with human rights groups frequently raising concerns about alleged abuses. The Pakistani state has consistently rejected these claims, accusing foreign powers—often implicating India—of fueling unrest.

Social Media Reactions Mixed

The YouTuber’s video drew polarized responses online. While many Indian users defended the right to free expression and investigative journalism, Pakistani social media users accused the content creator of pushing a biased and hostile narrative.

A number of Pakistani commentators called on YouTube and other platforms to take action against "digital provocateurs spreading disinformation under the guise of activism."

Meanwhile, the hashtag #Balochistan trended in both countries for several hours, highlighting the geopolitical sensitivity of the subject.

Digital Diplomacy in the Spotlight

This incident adds to the growing list of diplomatic flashpoints between India and Pakistan in the digital space. In recent years, both nations have seen an uptick in online content influencing political discourse and occasionally fueling diplomatic tensions.

Experts say the situation reflects a broader challenge facing South Asia: managing the intersection of free speech, national security, and international relations in the age of social media.