India Takes Bold Step: Bans Pakistan-Origin Content on OTT Platforms Amid Rising Tensions
India's Ban on Pakistani Content
New Delhi: On Thursday, India imposed a ban on content originating from Pakistan across OTT platforms and streaming services, a move prompted by escalating tensions following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which was reportedly backed by Islamabad. This decision comes amid a surge of misinformation and propaganda from the neighboring country.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a directive mandating all digital intermediaries and streaming services in India to cease access to any content produced in Pakistan immediately.
The advisory highlighted that numerous terrorist incidents in India have been linked to state and non-state actors based in Pakistan. It specifically referenced the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of several Indians and a Nepali citizen, along with numerous injuries.
To safeguard national security, the advisory urged all OTT platforms and media streaming services to halt the distribution of web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other media content from Pakistan, effective immediately, regardless of whether they are available on a subscription basis.
In retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, primarily tourists, India targeted and destroyed nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir using precision missiles. These strikes were carefully executed from within Indian airspace, demonstrating restraint by avoiding Pakistani military sites. Pakistan has issued a warning, stating it will respond at a time and place of its choosing.
The diplomatic relationship between India and Pakistan has reached a low point following the tragic events in Pahalgam.
In a significant move, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, citing Pakistan's inability to control cross-border terrorism. The Ministry of External Affairs announced that this suspension will remain until Pakistan takes 'verifiable and irreversible steps' to cease its support for terrorism.
Additionally, India has halted cross-border trade and revoked visas for all Pakistani nationals. In a further tightening of its position, India has ordered the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a vital land route.
New Delhi has also instructed Pakistan's Defence, Military, Naval, and Air advisors at its High Commission in India to depart within a week, while simultaneously withdrawing its military attachés and support staff from Islamabad.