Access to several news websites and international broadcaster Al Jazeera has reportedly been restricted in parts of Pakistan amid heightened unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK)….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Pakistan has reportedly expanded digital restrictions by blocking access to several news websites and international broadcaster Al Jazeera in parts of the country, as media coverage of the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) intensifies. The reported restrictions come amid widespread protests, allegations of security crackdowns and growing scrutiny of the situation in the region.
According to ANI, access to multiple local and regional news websites has been restricted following extensive reporting on protests and the political situation in PoJK. Reports also indicate that Al Jazeera English has become inaccessible to some users in Pakistan.
There has been no official confirmation from the Pakistani government regarding the reported restrictions.
The reported measures target platforms covering demonstrations, alleged security operations and mounting public grievances in PoJK, where tensions have risen in recent weeks.
The latest reports follow earlier legal action targeting online content in Pakistan.
Al Jazeera had previously reported that an Islamabad judicial magistrate court sought to block several YouTube channels after Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency submitted a report on June 2 accusing the platforms of publishing “highly intimidating, provocative and derogatory contents against state institutions and officials of the state of Pakistan”.
According to a court order dated June 24 cited by Al Jazeera, the channels facing potential restrictions include those linked to Pakistan’s main opposition party, its leader and jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as well as several journalists critical of the government.
Digital rights advocates quoted by Al Jazeera warned that the proposed restrictions would further limit freedom of expression in Pakistan, arguing that social media has become one of the few remaining platforms for public dissent as traditional television and print media face increasing restrictions.
The broadcaster also reported that YouTube had notified 27 content creators that their channels could face removal if they failed to comply with court directives.
Meanwhile, the Joint Awami Action Committee has released footage that it claims shows security personnel dragging and assaulting an unarmed civilian during the ongoing unrest in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the committee, the footage also appears to show an individual in civilian clothing standing alongside security personnel and firing towards protesters. ANI reported the committee’s claims. The allegations have not been independently verified.
The committee said the appeal comes amid rising casualties linked to the protest movement.
According to figures released by the Human Rights Council of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (HRC-PoJK) and cited by ANI, 80 people have been killed, including 33 civilians before July 27, 43 civilians from July 27 onwards across Rawalakot, Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, and four PoJK police personnel. These figures have not been independently verified.
The Joint Awami Action Committee has called on the United Nations, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, international media organisations and diplomatic missions to examine the footage, independently verify the allegations and press for an impartial investigation.
The committee has also urged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to monitor the humanitarian situation and ensure protection and assistance for injured civilians.
The reported restrictions and appeals for international intervention come a day after the second phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir was marred by disruptions, road blockades and protests.
Polling was held across 21 constituencies, including nine in the Muzaffarabad division and 12 refugee constituencies located in different parts of Pakistan. According to ANI, voting was disrupted in several constituencies because of protests and logistical difficulties, raising further questions over the credibility of the electoral process.
