YouTube launches Urdu version for Pakistan as website still remains ‘banned’

LAHORE (Staff Report) – While world’s largest video sharing website YouTube still remains officially banned in Pakistan, the website administration has announced that they have launched a localised version of video sharing portal in Pakistan which will also be available in Urdu language.

The website has also got a new customised logo with “PK” for users in Pakistan.

The website was banned in Pakistan in September 2012, when it refused the content that insulted Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The company and Pakistani government remained in talks for establishment of a localised version of website which would not carry such content.

According to a statement of Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager Zeffri Yusof, the company has launched YouTube’s localised versions for Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal in the latest update.

After the development Pakistani users will be able to search and upload videos in Urdu language while local languages of Sri Lanka and Nepal have also been operationalised.

Meanwhile the official ban on YouTube in Pakistan continues however users in different parts of country said that the website was accessible under “https” protocol.

Observers are of the opinion that Pakistani government will also announce to lift the ban formally because almost every demand of the country has been fulfilled by YouTube’s administration.