Al Jazeera English’s website became inaccessible to users in Pakistan on Monday, shortly after the federal government strongly criticized the broadcaster’s reporting on the elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Users across Pakistan reported being unable to access the news outlet’s English-language website, with browsers displaying messages indicating that the site could not be reached.
The apparent disruption followed a statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which accused Al Jazeera of publishing what it described as “biased” and “one-sided” coverage of the AJK elections.
According to the ministry, Al Jazeera’s report focused on selected polling stations in Muzaffarabad and relied on pre-planned statements from selected individuals, presenting what it called a misleading picture of the electoral process. The ministry further alleged that the reporting amounted to “yellow journalism” and served the agenda of external elements seeking to undermine the credibility of the elections.
Al Jazeera’s report claimed that some Kashmiris boycotted the polls amid a strike, reported fatalities in Rawalakot, and included interviews with individuals who said they had chosen not to vote.
As of now, no official announcement has been made by Pakistani authorities confirming that Al Jazeera’s website has been blocked. Likewise, Al Jazeera has not publicly responded to the government’s criticism or commented on the reported accessibility issues.
The timing of the website’s inaccessibility, however, has fueled speculation online, as it came soon after the government’s public condemnation of the broadcaster’s election coverage. Until an official statement is issued, the reason behind the disruption remains unconfirmed.
