Pakistan blocks news websites, Al Jazeera amid PoK unrest; protests, violence intensify

Several local and regional digital news websites, along with international broadcaster Al Jazeera English, have reportedly become inaccessible in parts of Pakistan as authorities tighten digital restrictions amid ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

According to ANI, the restrictions followed critical reporting on protests, alleged security crackdowns and public grievances in PoK, where demonstrations continued on Sunday alongside protests in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The region has remained tense over the ongoing constitutional assembly elections, being held in phases until August 10. More than 40 people have been killed in the recent violence, while rights groups claim the overall death toll has risen much higher.

Social media users also circulated a purported post from Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry accusing Al Jazeera of “yellow journalism” and “selective reporting” from polling stations in Muzaffarabad. The post alleged the broadcaster had used “carefully chosen timings and scripted statements” to misrepresent the electoral process. However, the authenticity of the post has not been independently verified.

Al Jazeera had earlier reported that Muzaffarabad appeared largely deserted during polling, citing an internet shutdown that had lasted over 50 days and describing widespread closures of markets, banks, petrol stations and public transport, which it said hampered reporting.

The broadcaster had also reported in July that an Islamabad court sought to block several YouTube channels following a report by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency.

Meanwhile, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is leading the protests, released purported footage showing security personnel dragging and assaulting an unarmed civilian in Muzaffarabad. The group also alleged that a man in civilian clothes accompanying security forces fired at protesters.

According to the Human Rights Council of PoK, cited by ANI, at least 80 people have been killed so far, including 76 civilians and four police personnel, with fatalities reported across Rawalakot, Mirpur and Muzaffarabad. The claims have not been independently verified.