Pakistan has reportedly blocked access to Al Jazeera’s English-language news website for many internet users after the Qatar-based broadcaster reported on unrest and assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The disruption came days after Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting accused the network of “selective reporting” and “yellow journalism.”
Reportedly, On August 2, 2026, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting posted on X accusing Al Jazeera of carrying out “selective reporting” from “handpicked polling stations” in Muzaffarabad.
The ministry alleged that the channel used carefully chosen timings and scripted statements to misrepresent the elections and voting process in what Pakistan refers to as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a part of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). It described the coverage as “yellow journalism” and claimed it was aimed at delegitimising the electoral process and undermining the people’s mandate.
Several major Pakistani newspapers carried the ministry’s criticism the following day, repeating its allegations that Al Jazeera’s reporting on the second phase of the PoJK elections in Muzaffarabad and refugee constituencies was biased.
According to reports, Al Jazeera had reported that some residents boycotted the elections amid ongoing protests led by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
At the time of the reports, neither the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) nor Al Jazeera had officially confirmed that the website had been blocked or provided an explanation for the disruption.
The developments come as phased assembly elections in PoJK are being held amid weeks of protests by the JAAC, which was declared a proscribed organisation under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws in early June.
Pakistani authorities said seven police and Rangers personnel were killed in recent clashes, while 45 others were seriously injured. Officials accused elements within the JAAC of sheltering armed individuals, spreading misinformation and pursuing a foreign agenda, while claiming that the security forces had exercised restraint.
Scenes from muzaffarbad, pojk
2 august, 2026
Normal people protest against pak army and administration.
Their had a vote but they reject it. pic.twitter.com/lM7zchZsCl— THE UNKNOWN MAN (@Theunk5555) August 2, 2026
Polling in the Muzaffarabad phase on August 2 was partially postponed in some areas due to bad weather. The election was also marked by allegations of irregularities exchanged between major political parties.
The criticism of Al Jazeera came shortly after the network aired extensive reports from the disputed region.
India maintains that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas under Pakistan’s control, are integral and inalienable parts of India. New Delhi has consistently stated that Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of parts of these Union Territories.
India calls for international scrutiny
India formally raised the issue on July 31, 2026, when Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal strongly criticised Pakistan’s handling of the protests. Addressing a regular media briefing, Jaiswal stated that the Pakistani establishment continued to “unleash ruthless force” against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "… The Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This crackdown has resulted in the tragic… pic.twitter.com/rKTWWcjfNQ
— ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2026
He said the crackdown had resulted in the tragic deaths of more than 40 civilians while many others had suffered serious injuries. Referring to remarks made by Pakistani leaders, Jaiswal said that Islamabad’s attitude towards the people of the region had become increasingly evident.
