E-Paper | October 29, 2026

News channels go off air, Facebook and YouTube blocked in parts of Pakistan

Javed Hussain Published
94
Screengrab of a news channel gone off air. —DawnNews
Screengrab of a news channel gone off air. —DawnNews
comments
Whatsapp Channel

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Saturday afternoon issued a notification prohibiting live coverage of the operation to end the Faizabad sit-in, following which most private news channels were taken off-air in Islamabad and other parts of the country.

The Pemra notification ordered channels to abide by Clause 8 (8) of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisement) Code of Conduct 2015, to show "utmost sensitivity" and refrain from coverage of the operation.

"This channel is suspended on orders of Pemra," read a message appearing on multiple news channels.

Additionally, Facebook, YouTube, DailyMotion, Twitter and Instagram have been blocked in some parts of the country. No notice has been issued about this development.

There are reports that the federal government is mulling temporarily suspending mobile phone signals – a now-common practice during security situations.

Later, Twitter also acknowledged that the social media website had been blocked in Pakistan by the government and assured its users that the company was "monitoring the situation". In a tweet, the Twitter Public Policy account hoped that the service in the country would be restored soon.

Pakistan
94

Read more

zakir
Nov 25, 2017 02:07pm
if it is democracy then what is dictatorship
Recommend 0
Mustafa Qasuri
Nov 25, 2017 02:10pm
Looters,murders.money launder democracy. It's attack on freedom of press.
Recommend 0
AdHawk
Nov 25, 2017 02:15pm
Yay, freedom of speech!
Recommend 0
Mujtaba
Nov 25, 2017 02:18pm
I support this decision covering it would just make things worse
Recommend 0
Ali
Nov 25, 2017 02:21pm
A step in the right direction.
Recommend 0
Ashwin
Nov 25, 2017 02:26pm
I don't think it is really bad. However everyone has his own views but If the live coverage of any sensitive matter is harmful for the peace in the country, then it is better to ban such coverages.
Recommend 0
Tahir sultan
Nov 25, 2017 02:42pm
I could not access my FB,Twitter or insta accounts in rawalpindi,even youtube is not working.
Recommend 0
Ali Mansoor
Nov 25, 2017 02:42pm
Good move. Keep them close.
Recommend 0
Kashif
Nov 25, 2017 02:51pm
Every news channe shouldl abide by the rules and put forward the intreast of country at their first priority rather than following a perticular agenda.
Recommend 0
Dshfsi
Nov 25, 2017 02:58pm
Facebook is also down.
Recommend 0
Asad
Nov 25, 2017 03:14pm
I can't believe it! There definitely is something fishy, how come in a democratic set up one can shut down or stop media from covering an event which is definitely not a "national security risk" issue. I wonder when would the N-league government change its attitude of "its my way, or the highway". This is called selective implementation of Judicial orders as well (in case this government says that it's just following the directions of Islamabad High Court).
Recommend 0
Shah
Nov 25, 2017 03:33pm
how low can you sink pmln and its supporters? shame
Recommend 0
sid
Nov 25, 2017 03:39pm
good move actually... this should help to stop situation flaring up in other areas...
Recommend 0
Kanard
Nov 25, 2017 03:40pm
Freedom of press under threat in this so called democracy
Recommend 0
Rajesh
Nov 25, 2017 03:47pm
Real face of PAK democracy. Release terrorists and support terrorists and ban media coverage...!
Recommend 0
Global Peace
Nov 25, 2017 03:50pm
This is bad, Pakistan should outsource the governance to china , they will do better job.
Recommend 0
Dil Say Pakistan
Nov 25, 2017 03:51pm
Without news channels life will be so peaceful. It was right direction.
Recommend 0
Saeed Akhtar
Nov 25, 2017 03:54pm
Even Twitter has been disabled
Recommend 0
Saeed Akhtar
Nov 25, 2017 03:57pm
The government has banned Twitter and other social media
Recommend 0
Zohaib
Nov 25, 2017 04:06pm
Is this not a violation of basic rights and constitution? Where is Justice? If the Democratic govt behave like this, what can they expect from dictators. Why they shouting on tv channels about justice, democracy , votes etc. Why tv channels not protest against this act of govt
Recommend 0
Onlooker
Nov 25, 2017 04:15pm
Good decision!! New channels purpose is only to incite violence and gain more TRPs. They're also responsible for murder of Salman Taseer by promoting propaganda.
Recommend 0
Concerned Citizen
Nov 25, 2017 04:18pm
Good decision to keep people safe and not to get more people get hurt ..: it’s called sensible journalism ..
Recommend 0
Huma Arif
Nov 25, 2017 04:19pm
Shame!! Funeral of Freedom of Speech.
Recommend 0
MrA2Z
Nov 25, 2017 04:23pm
That's very good. These channels onlycreate panic by shoing so called 'breaking news' all tge time.
Recommend 0
Facy
Nov 25, 2017 04:23pm
Facebook and Twitter is also not working, this is very sad. Govt incompetence is on its peak.
Recommend 0
Ds
Nov 25, 2017 04:28pm
@Huma Arif when the little child died because family can not reach hospital,where was your freedom of speech.
Recommend 0
Saleem
Nov 25, 2017 04:29pm
COAS tells Prime Minister to take care of things. Government bans Media and Social Media. Welcome to Islamic "Democratic" Republic of Pakistan.
Recommend 0
Arshad
Nov 25, 2017 04:31pm
Closure of channels is the lowest point of N-League Govt. No body should dare to interfere with freedom of speech.
Recommend 0
Feroze Ali J Aliani
Nov 25, 2017 04:42pm
The decision of our authorities especially regarding electronic media freedom are in the either of two extremes. If there was a regulation on the media to follow, there was no need to ban the channels today. It is a misfortune of Pakistan that the authorities have no control over electronic media except to ban the channels.
Recommend 0
Mehboob Ali Lalani
Nov 25, 2017 04:55pm
This is unwise step, undemocratic too. Now, rumour mongering mill work full time, creating more uncertainities. Pemra should allow all channels to provide information about the situation to the people. If some one want to go to Shahrah-E-Faisal, he must know what is going on over there. If you irritate the people, they will loathe about democracy.
Recommend 0
sheikh waqar-ul-hassan
Nov 25, 2017 04:55pm
Facebbook is also blocked now...
Recommend 0
Saad Khan
Nov 25, 2017 04:59pm
@zakir Nawaz Sharif Chamcha Absar Alam who is unfit even for a restaurant manager is controlling Pakistan's freedom of press, must go.
Recommend 0
SANA
Nov 25, 2017 05:11pm
@Saeed Akhtar why ban social media?
Recommend 0
Junaid Ali
Nov 25, 2017 05:29pm
Great decision because all TV channels would have long talk shows on this sensitive issue and they’ll create their own conspiracy theories which can trigger further violence all across the country
Recommend 0
London Kundon
Nov 25, 2017 05:31pm
Great freedom of press in that country.
Recommend 0
Junaid Ali
Nov 25, 2017 05:37pm
@MrA2Z That’s so true that’ll just create further violence all across the country
Recommend 0
Waleed
Nov 25, 2017 05:43pm
They have blocked both the TV news channels and social media sites like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Fool is the public who is supporting these dictators. Sources are telling that it is all being done under the "terms and conditions" imposed by US to Khawaja Asif on his US visit for getting support.
Recommend 0
Hira
Nov 25, 2017 05:54pm
@Zohaib in a democracy, during a protest you leave room for the Ambulance and other emergency vehicles. The protesting party follows court decisions and they do not block trasportation and roads.
Recommend 0
Logical dude
Nov 25, 2017 06:19pm
Protestors freedom ends where mine begins. The protestors had made life of ordinary citizens of Islamabad hell. No one interfered with their right to free speech even when they crossed limits of common decency. Government is also to blame for taking too long to act. Same as in case of Lal Masjid.
Recommend 0
Ateef
Nov 25, 2017 06:21pm
Pakistan failed state
Recommend 0
Ayesha Khan
Nov 25, 2017 06:25pm
Wonderful step by PEMRA to block these sites, because they only use the footage to further incite the issue and all those who are sitting to see unrest on our soil will simply enjoy. We have full confidence in our authorities and the military that they will handle the situation with an iron fist/
Recommend 0
Sameer
Nov 25, 2017 06:26pm
After this, my distrust of our government; its personal and the LEAs under their thumb has exponentially increased. Pity these corrupt leaders are spineless as well.
Recommend 0
Kool
Nov 25, 2017 06:30pm
Pakistan walking Backwards
Recommend 0
Fahad Kareem
Nov 25, 2017 06:30pm
when will Facebook and other social sites will be reopened in Pakistan
Recommend 0
Ilyas Younus
Nov 25, 2017 06:32pm
Good decision by government.
Recommend 0
hammad
Nov 25, 2017 06:34pm
Is this temporary or permanent??
Recommend 0
iftikhar hussain
Nov 25, 2017 07:15pm
why were channels not suspended on Darhna by PTI and why now is a big question
Recommend 0
Khalid Khan
Nov 25, 2017 08:03pm
Channels and Social media should have been blocked before the operation. I feel peace of mind at least for now.
Recommend 0
Shuaib
Nov 25, 2017 08:15pm
@zakir How about not rioting like goons?
Recommend 0
Harish
Nov 25, 2017 08:31pm
And your first priority is bringing Cricket to Pakistan??? Strange country!
Recommend 0
Gaurav
Nov 25, 2017 08:32pm
Freedom is the only solution. The writing is on the wall.
Recommend 0
Abid ali
Nov 25, 2017 08:35pm
is it democracy?
Recommend 0
yamna malik
Nov 25, 2017 08:41pm
hey anybody know how long this is going to last?
Recommend 0
Abid Nawaz
Nov 25, 2017 08:43pm
@SANA i think these sites are not banned permanently. They did it due to some security reasons and will unban soon.
Recommend 0
Ignorance
Nov 25, 2017 08:59pm
Censorship like China
Recommend 0
OS
Nov 25, 2017 09:08pm
Useless govt. Cant handle a few thousand protestors and always make things worse.
Recommend 0
WM
Nov 25, 2017 09:15pm
That's why my Facebook account is not opening , I tried 100 times to open Facebook but couldn't , I was near to break my mobile thanks dawn news saving my mobile from breaking by reading the news of blocking Facebook and YouTube
Recommend 0
alba
Nov 25, 2017 10:08pm
A Tale of Two Pakistans.
Recommend 0
alba
Nov 25, 2017 10:17pm
@Global Peace .... Now they have seen this riot the Chinese turn down the offer. The tribal system is deteriorating and these people don't know what to do.
Recommend 0
Skeptic
Nov 25, 2017 10:51pm
Mockery of Democracy. THis government has grossly mishandled the situation. Instead of negotiatiing Peaceful protestors, they have provoked them through force into a wider confrontation. On the positive side, perhaps if the Courts are not able to ban and disqualify all the PML-N leadership, perhaps the street people power will do the job!
Recommend 0
Huma
Nov 25, 2017 11:02pm
When will b social media acxble n Pakistan??
Recommend 0
aman
Nov 25, 2017 11:04pm
Its demoncracy
Recommend 0
aghaata25@yahoo.com
Nov 25, 2017 11:07pm
@Asad You are right. I think it will continue in the future. The freedom of media is at a great risk.
Recommend 0
ARSHAD ,Canada
Nov 25, 2017 11:10pm
@Shah , they did the right thing and obeyed the SC order. The negotiation were going on for over 20 days. The Dhurna Group was offered an alternate location but refused. The motivation was political not as they said , religious. Good work PMLN.
Recommend 0
ARSHAD ,Canada
Nov 25, 2017 11:15pm
@Zohaib , the Dhurna which disrupted the life of twin cities was Democratic?????? The Dhurna people were offered an alternate location but they refused. This action for was taken for the Democratic right of other people and as par the orders of the SC. Great job.
Recommend 0
ARSHAD ,Canada
Nov 25, 2017 11:18pm
@Saleem ,good work by the Government for the greatest interest of the people. They offered an alternate location but Dhurna guys refused. Now deal with the tough situation.
Recommend 0
Anna
Nov 25, 2017 11:24pm
What the hell how can they do this people can have all kinds of emergencies this is not right
Recommend 0
Khan Bhai
Nov 26, 2017 01:15am
Now understand, Mian ji wants this type of Pakistan.
Recommend 0
A shah
Nov 26, 2017 01:37am
FReedom of speech has been crushed in Pakistan.
Recommend 0
A shah
Nov 26, 2017 01:39am
Pakistan must keep its people deaf dumb and blind and not let them ever see the truth.
Recommend 0
Ali
Nov 26, 2017 02:22am
This is Nawaz Sharif and PML's democracy, silence the press and media to evade accountability. He has also threatened and abused the Supreme Court. The people of Pakistan demand that he is held accountable and punished accordingly. No politician or political party can be above the law.
Recommend 0
Selvam
Nov 26, 2017 03:34am
@Onlooker so when it was done in Kashmir...Pakistanis were crying foul on this very same website...now the very same ppl tallmlike it was the right thing to do.
Recommend 0
I Ali
Nov 26, 2017 03:54am
@zakir Democracy is overrated and has no meaning without law and order and literarcy. Most of these media channels are 3rd grade. All they do is inflame unnecesarry controversies amogst vastly illeterate nation of ours.
Recommend 0
Ash Hasan
Nov 26, 2017 07:05am
You all believe in TOOTH FAIRY??
Recommend 0
ST
Nov 26, 2017 07:32am
I am not a supporter of the PMLN government and I know they are facing charges of corruption and fraud. However, when it comes to Faizabad sitting I SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT. In this case Supreme Court and the Government are on the same page while the opponents PTI and others are on the wrong side. After all the government is trying to establish their writ -- which is a patriotic issue.
Recommend 0
Hira
Nov 26, 2017 09:06am
When these websites will b unblocked????
Recommend 0
Tufail Mabood
Nov 26, 2017 09:18am
How can they ban the social media? isn't it their failure of controlling the situation?
Recommend 0
Disappointed
Nov 26, 2017 09:45am
News channels are not mature enough to handle coverage professionally. They sensationalise excessively. I support this move
Recommend 0
Arshad
Nov 26, 2017 10:05am
PMLN Doomed now.
Recommend 0
Arshad
Nov 26, 2017 10:08am
PEMRA thinking people are children who can be misguided by channels. Such a shame.
Recommend 0
Umair Ashraf
Nov 26, 2017 12:01pm
it is bad.i can,t believe. it is so bad.it should not be done.how will now we communicate with friends,our relatives,parents and other people.only by mobile?so how can people with no phone communicate it is a good step but these things are very useful and help us in many ways so you please take back your decision.
Recommend 0
Neena
Nov 26, 2017 12:49pm
That's definitely a good move by the government. Facebook, Twitter. Instagram and Youtube not working in Lahore too.
Recommend 0
Wania
Nov 26, 2017 12:52pm
@Tahir sultan exactly same. It is so frustating
Recommend 0
affaq Ahmad
Nov 26, 2017 02:12pm
what the hell is going in our country
Recommend 0
affaq Ahmad
Nov 26, 2017 02:13pm
soo called democracy
Recommend 0
Alisha
Nov 26, 2017 02:43pm
We want instagram and Facebook back what will be left in Pakistan if these survives are also closed Kinsley get them back
Recommend 0
Zulfiqar
Nov 26, 2017 06:02pm
Why Facebook And Youtube is not Working
Recommend 0
Laiba
Nov 26, 2017 06:22pm
In how many days will fb and insta work again?
Recommend 0
Laiba
Nov 26, 2017 06:35pm
@zakir any information about when fb and other network will start again
Recommend 0
Rubab
Nov 26, 2017 07:11pm
Ok. Might be its for safety or might be helping in preventing data tracking. InshaAllah it will be unblocked again soon!
Recommend 0
Human
Nov 26, 2017 08:32pm
@Onlooker spot on
Recommend 0
anna khan
Nov 26, 2017 10:12pm
Its good but For how many days twitter will disable.
Recommend 0
anna khan
Nov 26, 2017 10:12pm
Good job.....
Recommend 0
dania
Nov 27, 2017 06:36am
@Tahir sultan its still working but so slow that I can't help out with that
Recommend 0

Most Popular

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09

Latest Stories

Opinion

Editorial

Restructuring plans
Updated 29 Oct, 2026

Restructuring plans

The primary reason for governance failure in Pakistan is not the geographical size of the existing provinces but the reluctance of provincial capitals to empower local bodies.
Polluted priorities
Updated 29 Oct, 2026

Polluted priorities

Enforcement must continue, but decisions should follow evidence, not the visibility of machinery on city roads.
Continuing genocide
29 Oct, 2026

Continuing genocide

FOR the people of Gaza, despite the ‘ceasefire’ reached last October, the genocide never really ceased. This ...
Regional security
Updated 28 Oct, 2026

Regional security

Iran and the Makkah pact states should pledge not to let external actors use their soil to launch aggression against each other.
Rate hike
28 Oct, 2026

Rate hike

THE SBP’s decision to raise its policy rate by 50 basis points to 12pc was largely expected. It is also justified...
Press solidarity
28 Oct, 2026

Press solidarity

PAKISTAN’S journalists have seldom lacked organisations speaking in defence of press freedom. What has been ...
Dawn News English Podcasts
Subscribe