Pakistan expands online curbs following coverage of PoK unrest

Pakistan has reportedly expanded digital censorship measures by restricting access to several news websites following extensive media coverage of the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). Alongside the reported blocking of local and regional news websites, international broadcasters, have also become inaccessible to users in parts of Pakistan, according to media reports cited by ANI. The restrictions appear to target platforms covering the recent protests, alleged security crackdowns and growing public discontent in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). Pakistani authorities have not officially confirmed the reported restrictions. The channels facing possible blocking include those linked to Pakistan's main opposition party, its leader and jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, as well as several journalists critical of the government, according to a court order dated June 24. Earlier in July, Al Jazeera reported that a judicial magistrate's court in Islamabad had ordered the blocking of several YouTube channels based on a June 2 report by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The agency alleged that the channels had published content that was "intimidating", "provocative" and "derogatory" towards state institutions and public officials. Al Jazeera reported that digital rights groups have warned the proposed bans could further restrict freedom of expression in Pakistan. With television and print media facing significant curbs, social media remains one of the few platforms for public debate and dissent, the report said. The broadcaster also reported that YouTube had notified 27 content creators that their channels could be blocked if they failed to comply with the court's directives. The restrictions come amid heightened sensitivity over the flow of information related to the political situation and local protests in PoK. The second phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) was marred by widespread disruptions, logistical challenges and continuing protests, raising fresh concerns over the credibility of the electoral process. Polling was held across 21 constituencies, including nine in the Muzaffarabad Division of PoK and 12 refugee constituencies located in different parts of Pakistan. Voting was disrupted in several constituencies as road blockades and protests affected access to polling stations and delayed the electoral process.