Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) announced on Monday that the Al Jazeera English website would be blocked across the country, citing “selective” coverage of Pakistani affairs as the main reason for the move. The order, issued at 10:30 am local time, was enforced by major internet service providers, effectively cutting off access to the global news outlet’s site for all users in Pakistan.
Al Jazeera English has long been a popular source of international news for Pakistani audiences, offering a perspective that often differs from local state‑run media. The network’s coverage of political protests, military operations, and diplomatic incidents has previously drawn criticism from Pakistani officials, who argue that the outlet’s reporting sometimes lacks balance and can inflame public sentiment. The current block follows a series of earlier restrictions on foreign media that the MoIB has justified as necessary to protect national security and public order.
In a statement released by the ministry, officials said the decision was taken after a review of the network’s recent articles, which they described as “selective” and “biased.” They added that the move was aimed at safeguarding “national interests” and preventing the spread of misinformation that could destabilise the country. The MoIB also warned that any media outlet found to be violating Pakistani laws would face similar restrictions.
The decision has sparked a sharp backlash from journalists, civil‑society groups, and international observers who see it as a blow to press freedom. Critics argue that blocking a major news outlet limits the public’s access to diverse viewpoints and undermines the principles of independent journalism enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution. Some media houses have already hinted at legal challenges, citing the right to information and freedom of expression.
For viewers, the block means that any attempt to reach Al Jazeera English via a web browser will result in a “site unavailable” message. While the network’s mobile app and social media channels remain accessible, the loss of its full website limits the depth of coverage that Pakistani audiences can access. The move is likely to intensify ongoing debates about media regulation in Pakistan and could prompt further scrutiny from international human‑rights watchdogs.