In an expanding digital censorship campaign, Pakistan has restricted access to the English-language website of Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera. The move follows the news network’s extensive ground coverage. Al Jazeera detailed Islamabad’s crackdown on anti-government demonstrations and election-related violence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has not issued an official ban order, users across Pakistan reported an inability to access Al Jazeera’s digital platforms. Moreover, the disruption coincided with critical reporting from the region’s capital, Muzaffarabad.
Islamabad Accuses Al Jazeera of “Yellow Journalism”
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a statement accusing the international outlet of “yellow journalism” and “selective reporting”. Officials claimed the network sought to delegitimize the election held in the territory Islamabad calls “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” (AJK).
“Through carefully chosen timings and scripted statements from selected individuals, the channel has sought to misrepresent the AJK elections and the voting process,” the ministry stated on X. “Such yellow journalism only confirms the agenda of external actors with vested interests who are attempting to delegitimise this electoral exercise.”
According to activist reports and local political figures, Pakistani authorities simultaneously issued reminders to foreign journalists. These reminders concerned mandatory “No Objection Certificates” (NOCs) required for reporting from sensitive regions.
India Reaffirms Territorial Sovereignty Over PoK
The media row unfolds against the backdrop of long-standing territorial disputes. India maintains that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh remain an integral and inalienable part of the nation. Additionally, New Delhi routinely condemns Pakistani administration in PoK as an “illegal and forcible occupation.” It attributes the ongoing civil unrest to decades of systemic resource exploitation.
CPJ Raises Alarm Over Media Censorship and Detentions
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the Pakistani government’s escalating suppression of news reporting. The global press freedom watchdog highlighted widespread internet blackouts and telecommunications disruptions implemented across PoK.
In addition to digital censorship, CPJ expressed concern regarding the safety of media personnel. Specifically, it cited the abduction of independent journalists Razi Tahir and Muhammad Saif. Both journalists were reportedly taken from their Islamabad office by men in police uniforms.
“Pakistani authorities must immediately end the crackdown on journalists, restore access to information, and allow independent reporting,” CPJ urged in a public statement. “Authorities must acknowledge whether missing journalists are in state custody, ensure due process, and immediately release them if arbitrarily detained.”
The watchdog noted that while local Kashmiri journalist Raja Ikram was briefly detained and released, state-imposed barriers continue to severely obstruct independent news gathering across the region.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
