Pakistan expands media crackdown, Al Jazeera blocked

In early August 2026 Pakistan intensified digital censorship by restricting access to Al Jazeera English and other news sites amid protests and security crackdowns in Pakistan‑occupied Jammu and Kashmir. A court order also targeted opposition‑linked YouTube channels following a cyber‑crime agency report that condemned online content as “intimidating, provocative and derogatory.” Rights groups warned the bans would further suppress freedom of expression.

Two days later the Information Ministry publicly denounced Al Jazeera’s coverage of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, accusing the broadcaster of “yellow journalism” and a narrow, negative portrayal of the voting process. The ministry’s criticism coincided with reports that Al Jazeera’s website had become inaccessible in Pakistan shortly after publishing on‑ground reports of low voter turnout and security crackdowns.

On 3 August 2026 the government introduced Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, requiring all foreign journalists and media personnel to obtain a No‑Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting before travelling outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, and to register foreign media organisations, freelancers, fixers and local contributors through an online portal. Exemptions apply only to leisure trips to tourist spots such as Abbottabad and Murree. The same day users reported the English‑language Al Jazeera website went offline shortly after the broadcaster aired reports on protests and election‑related unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry again accused Al Jazeera of selective reporting and “yellow journalism,” though no formal ban was announced. Rights groups say the combined measures—website blockage, court orders, and the new NOC regime—deepening concerns over press freedom as unrest and internet shutdowns continue in the region.