Archive · 4 Aug 2026
Pakistan Blocks Digital News Amid PoJK Protest Tensions
Pakistan’s government has started blocking online news sites, including Al Jazeera English, because of protests in the region it controls called Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
A court in Islamabad wants to shut down YouTube channels linked to the main opposition party and former Prime Minister Imran Khan after a report said they were sharing scary or insulting videos.
A group called the Joint Awami Action Committee showed video that looks like soldiers hurting a civilian in Muzaffarabad, and they asked the United Nations and other human‑rights groups to investigate.
The Human Rights Council says 80 people have died in the protests, with 43 deaths after July 27.
Elections in the area were also disrupted by road blockades and protests, making people question if the voting was fair.
Some people think the government is right to stop the news to keep order, while others say it stops people from speaking freely.
Pakistan reportedly blocked digital news outlets, including Al Jazeera English, amid protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
A judicial magistrate court in Islamabad is seeking bans on YouTube channels linked to the main opposition party, Imran Khan, and other critical journalists after a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency report.
The Joint Awami Action Committee released footage alleging security forces assaulting civilians in Muzaffarabad, prompting calls for UN and human‑rights investigations.
Human Rights Council of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir reports 80 deaths linked to protests, with 43 occurring after July 27 across Rawalakot, Mirpur, and Muzaffarabad.
The second phase of elections in PoJK faced disruptions, road blockades, and protests, raising questions about the credibility of the electoral process.
- Who
- Pakistani authorities, judicial magistrate court, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, Joint Awami Action Committee, Imran Khan
- What
- Digital censorship of news outlets and alleged violence during protests
- When
- July 2024 (references to June 24 and July events)
- Where
- Pakistan, especially Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir
- Why
- To control information about protests and maintain political stability
- Country
- Pakistan
- Affected Platforms
- Digital news outlets, Al Jazeera English, YouTube channels
- Reported Deaths
- 80
- Election Phase
- Second phase of PoJK elections
- Court Order Date
- June 24, 2024
