The controversy has intensified concerns over censorship and the safety of journalists reporting from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
Pakistan has reportedly restricted access to Al Jazeera after the Qatar-based international broadcaster aired a series of reports highlighting Islamabad‘s crackdown on anti-government demonstrations and election-related protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
While the government has not officially announced a ban on the broadcaster, several users across Pakistan claimed on social media that Al Jazeera‘s English-language website had become inaccessible, fuelling allegations of censorship.
Pakistan accuses Al Jazeera of biased reporting
Responding to the controversy, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting accused the international broadcaster of “selective reporting” and attempting to portray the election process in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in a negative light.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry alleged that Al Jazeera relied on carefully selected polling stations and scripted interviews to “misrepresent” the electoral process.
The ministry went further, accusing the broadcaster of engaging in “yellow journalism” and claimed its reporting was aimed at undermining the credibility of the elections and encouraging unrest in the region.
Islamabad refers to the illegally occupied region as “Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)“, while India maintains that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and that Pakistan remains in illegal occupation of parts of the territory.
India maintains PoK is under illegal occupation
India has consistently asserted that Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir and has repeatedly called for the vacation of those territories.
New Delhi’s position remains that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is an integral part of India.
Press freedom concerns grow
The controversy comes amid mounting criticism of Pakistan’s media environment.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed concern over what it described as deteriorating press freedom in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, citing internet shutdowns, communication restrictions, obstacles to independent reporting and alleged detention of journalists.
The organisation called on Pakistani authorities to restore internet access, allow independent reporting and immediately end restrictions imposed on journalists covering developments in the region.
Journalists reportedly missing
CPJ also raised concerns over the reported disappearance of independent journalist Razi Tahir and his colleague Muhammad Saif, who were allegedly taken away by men in police uniforms from their Islamabad office on August 1.
The organisation urged Pakistani authorities to clarify whether the journalists are in state custody, ensure due process and release them immediately if they are being arbitrarily detained.
CPJ also noted that journalist Raja Ikram, who was reportedly detained the same day, was later released.
The media watchdog further pointed to reports of prolonged internet blackouts and telecommunications restrictions across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, saying the measures have severely hampered independent reporting from the region.
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