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

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

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.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

Govt orders military deployment in Islamabad after day-long operation against protesters

Islamabad High Court declares Faizabad sit-in ‘a terrorist act’

Political motives behind sit-in, ISI tells Supreme Court

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

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

Nov 25, 2017 09:08pm

Useless govt. Cant handle a few thousand protestors and always make things worse.

Recommend 0

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

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

Branded Content

FaisalTown Group and Alfalah Investments forge strategic partnership for REIT-based villa development at Faisal Hills

The collaboration will advance healthcare, infrastructure advisory, and the development of 100 premium villas through an innovative REIT investment structure.