Digital censorship measures have intensified in Pakistan, with access reportedly restricted to numerous news websites following critical coverage of the unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Reports suggest that even international broadcasters such as Al Jazeera English have become inaccessible in certain parts of the country.

The restrictions appear to target platforms reporting on protests, alleged security crackdowns, and public grievances in PoK. Pakistan has not issued any official confirmation regarding these measures, but the timing coincides with heightened sensitivity over information flows related to the political climate and local resistance movements.

Al Jazeera previously reported that a judicial magistrate court in Islamabad sought bans after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency criticised several YouTube channels in a June 2 report. The agency accused these platforms of sharing highly intimidating, provocative, and derogatory content against state institutions and officials.

A subsequent court order dated June 24 identified channels belonging to the main opposition party, its leader and jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as well as several journalists critical of the government.

Digital rights campaigners have warned that such bans would further suppress freedom of expression in Pakistan. With traditional television and print media already heavily restricted, social media remains one of the few avenues for dissent. YouTube has reportedly notified 27 content creators that their channels risk removal if they fail to comply with court directives.

Meanwhile, the Joint Awami Action Committee has released footage from Muzaffarabad showing security forces dragging and assaulting an unarmed civilian. The committee claims that an individual in civilian clothing was seen alongside security personnel discharging a firearm at protesters. These revelations come amid mounting casualties in the protest movement.

According to updated figures from the Human Rights Council of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, 80 fatalities have been documented. This includes 33 civilian deaths prior to 27 July, 43 deaths from 27 July onwards across Rawalakot, Mirpur, and Muzaffarabad, and four police personnel.

The committee has appealed to the United Nations, OHCHR, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, international media, and diplomatic missions to verify the footage and press for an impartial investigation. It has also urged the International Committee of the Red Cross to monitor the humanitarian situation and ensure protection and assistance for injured civilians.

These developments follow widespread disruptions during the second phase of elections in PoK. Polling was scheduled across 21 constituencies, including nine in the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies in Pakistan.

However, the process was marred by road blockades, protests, and logistical failures, raising serious questions about the credibility of the electoral exercise.

The escalating censorship, combined with violence and electoral disruptions, underscores the deepening crisis in PoK. The suppression of digital outlets and opposition voices reflects a broader pattern of curtailing dissent, leaving international organisations increasingly concerned about the erosion of democratic space and human rights in the region.

ANI