JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 20, 2025 at 08:40 pm | JP Staff Report
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Fearing his YouTube channel might be banned in Pakistan soon, prominent journalist Imran Riaz Khan advised his 5.86 million subscribers to start using VPN services to access his content.
The warning comes after Saama TV reported Monday that six YouTube channels - including those of Sabir Shakir, Siddique Jan, Ahmad Noorani, and PTI leader Dr. Shahbaz Gill - face imminent bans in Pakistan.
"For now and for the days to come, install VPN," Riaz said in his latest vlog. "Tell everyone our videos cannot be seen without VPN." He even shared screenshots of free VPN options, demonstrating how they can be used whenever needed.
While Riaz's channel remains accessible in Pakistan at the time of reporting, the journalist - who left Pakistan in February citing threats to his life and now broadcasts daily vlogs from the UK - warned of growing censorship.
"The establishment and the government want that you should not see our channels. They want to snap our relations," Riaz stated. "VPN can help us stay connected."
اسلام آباد: اپنے یوٹیوب چینل پر آنے والے دنوں میں پاکستان میں پابندی کے خدشات کے پیش نظر، عمران ریاض خان نے منگل کو اپنے سبسکرائبرز سے وی پی این استعمال کرنے کی اپیل کی تاکہ وہ ان کے ولاگز دیکھتے رہیں۔
ساما ٹی وی نے پیر کو رپورٹ کیا تھا کہ پاکستان میں چھ یوٹیوب چینل پر پابندی لگائی جائے گی۔ ان میں صابر شاکر، صدیق جان، احمد نورانی کے چینلز کے ساتھ ساتھ امریکہ میں پی ٹی آئی رہنما ڈاکٹر شہباز گل کے چینلز بھی شامل ہیں۔
"اب اور آنے والے دنوں کے لیے وی پی این انسٹال کریں،" عمران ریاض نے اپنے ولاگ میں کہا، یہ کہتے ہوئے کہ انہیں جب چاہے استعمال کیا جا سکتا ہے۔ "سب کو بتا دیں کہ ہماری ویڈیوز وی پی این کے بغیر نہیں دیکھی جا سکتیں۔" تاہم، ان کا یوٹیوب چینل فی الحال پاکستان میں دستیاب ہے۔ ان کے 5.86 ملین سبسکرائبرز ہیں۔
عمران ریاض اس سال فروری میں پاکستان چھوڑ گئے تھے، یہ کہتے ہوئے کہ ان کی جان کو خطرہ ہے۔ فی الحال، وہ برطانیہ میں ہیں اور روزانہ دو ولاگز نشر کرتے ہیں، جو وسیع پیمانے پر دیکھے جاتے ہیں۔
انہوں نے وی پی این کی اسکرین شاٹس بھی شیئر کیں، یہ کہتے ہوئے کہ یہ مفت دستیاب ہیں۔ "اسٹیبلشمنٹ اور حکومت چاہتی ہے کہ آپ ہمارے چینلز نہ دیکھیں۔ وہ ہمارے تعلقات منقطع کرنا چاہتے ہیں۔ وی پی این ہمیں جڑے رہنے میں مدد کر سکتا ہے۔"
May 19, 2025: CPJ urges Pakistan to restore Ahmad Noorani’s blocked YouTube channel and stop harassing his family. The journalist could face three-year jail under cybercrime laws amid escalating media crackdown.
May 15, 2025: Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.
May 12, 2025: PFUJ pays tribute to journalists flogged under General Zia’s martial law in 1978, vowing to resist modern censorship and uphold press freedom in Pakistan.
May 09, 2025: In a bizarre media meltdown, Indian TV channels declared war on Pakistan, claimed imaginary victories and pushed fake narratives—leaving even Indian viewers stunned and apologetic.
May 05, 2025: India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.
May 03, 2025: Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.
May 02, 2025: Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.