Pakistan is intensifying its crackdown on free speech as YouTube has alerted more than two dozen independent journalists, opposition voices, and commentators that their channels may soon be blocked within the country. The warnings stem from a court order issued on June 24, following a report by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which labeled the targeted content as “anti-state.” Among those affected are supporters and members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s political party, as well as Khan himself, who remains imprisoned.

The NCCIA’s report accused the YouTube creators of publishing content that was “highly intimidating, provocative and derogatory” toward state institutions. With traditional media largely muzzled under state pressure, platforms like YouTube have become critical outlets for dissenting voices—but that freedom is now in jeopardy. YouTube has notified 27 creators that failure to comply with the court order could result in their channels being blocked in Pakistan, further shrinking the digital space for opposition in the country.

Stay Awake. Keep Watch.

SOURCE: Reclaim the Net