Brussels, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The prolonged communications blackout and restrictions on independent media access in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) have intensified concerns over the ability to independently verify reports of violence during months of unrest in the region.
A report published by European Times has called for greater international scrutiny of the situation, urging foreign governments to seek accountability, support an independent investigation into reported killings of protesters, restore communications and ensure access for journalists and independent observers.
The report cited allegations that more than 100 residents had been killed since June and hundreds injured in firing incidents involving Pakistani security forces. It further cited claims by leaders of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) that 20 supporters were shot during a July 27 march towards Muzaffarabad and that at least 10 more were killed the following day in Rawalakot and Mirpur.
However, the extent and circumstances of the reported casualties remain difficult to independently establish because of restrictions on communications and media access.
Amnesty International, while responding to reports of lethal force against protesters in Rawalakot during the regional election, called for a prompt, independent and transparent investigation. It also said the continuing internet and mobile-services blackout was impeding independent verification of events on the ground.
The communications disruption began in early June, according to rights groups and media reports. Dawn reported in June that an internet outage had entered its eighth day amid protests linked to the JAAC, while subsequent reporting documented prolonged restrictions affecting the region.
The controversy also extended to the region’s legislative elections. The European Times report alleged that the election schedule and polling arrangements were affected by the unrest, including postponement of voting in several constituencies and re-polling at 23 stations in Bagh. It also referred to allegations of irregularities raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party.
Those allegations could not be independently verified, a limitation that has been repeatedly highlighted in reporting on the region because of the communications shutdown.
Separately, Pakistan introduced the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026, under which foreign media personnel require a No-Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s External Publicity Wing to travel outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for reporting assignments. The rules have drawn criticism from press-freedom and journalist organisations, while the Pakistani government has said they provide a framework for registration, accreditation and facilitation rather than restricting press freedom.
The JAAC, which has been proscribed by authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, has continued to press its demands through protests. The Pakistani government, meanwhile, has accused the group of disrupting public order and using protests to pursue what it described as an anti-Pakistan agenda.
The competing claims, combined with restrictions on communications and independent access, have made transparent verification of developments in PoJK a continuing challenge.
Meta Description: PoJK’s communications blackout and media restrictions have raised concerns over independent verification of reported violence and election irregularities.
Meta Tags: PoJK, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, JAAC, Pakistan crackdown, communications blackout, Kashmir protests, media restrictions, foreign journalists, human rights
Hashtags: #PoJK #PakistanOccupiedKashmir #JAAC #Kashmir #PressFreedom #HumanRights
Social Caption: A prolonged communications blackout and restrictions on independent media access in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir have made it difficult to independently verify reports of violence and election-related irregularities.
FOLLOW NOW
