Pakistan's Ministry of Information blocked Al Jazeera's English-language website nationwide, accusing the channel of 'yellow journalism' and selective coverage of polling stations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry claimed the network attempted to distort the election process. Abu Ali Express reported the move, noting the backdrop of competition between Pakistan and Qatar over mediating Iran-US talks.
Pakistan's Ministry of Information announced on Monday that it had blocked Al Jazeera's English-language website across the country, accusing the Doha-based network of what it termed 'yellow journalism' and biased coverage of the ongoing elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). In a statement, the ministry said it had 'noticed the selective coverage of Al Jazeera from several carefully chosen polling stations in Muzaffarabad today. Through calculated timing and scripted testimonies of pre-selected individuals, the channel attempted to distort the picture of the elections in AJK and the voting process.' The ministry added that such journalism 'only strengthens the agenda of external interested parties seeking to undermine the legitimacy of the elections.' The move comes amid reported competition between Pakistan and Qatar to lead mediation efforts between Iran and the United States, according to Abu Ali Express. Qatar previously competed with Egypt over brokering a deal between Israel and Hamas.
2 developments
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- DevelopingPakistan military kills at least 29 militants on Afghan border — AP
- DevelopingWhite House complains of biased media coverage of Iran deal, promotes Al Jazeera
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