Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has lodged a strong official protest and formal complaint with BBC Urdu over the publication of what it said was fake news regarding the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Ministry's Social Media Statement
In a post on social media, the ministry said the report relied on unverified and uncorroborated allegations while disregarding official facts and on-record statements. “Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of such reporting. The repeated publication of unverified claims has become a trend, and corrective measures must be taken.”
BBC Urdu Report Details
BBC Urdu had published a report stating that local authorities and law enforcement in AJK had set up road blockades and stopped vehicles carrying essential food items and medical supplies. The report heavily focused on strikes called by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)—a group that had been outlawed by the AJK government.
Official Rebuttal by Pakistani Authorities
In response, Pakistan’s Information Ministry and AJK authorities, including the AJK Inspector General of Police, Captain (R) Liaqat Ali Malik, held press conferences to formally reject the claims. Authorities argued that no transport carrying food, medicine, or fuel was being hindered by the police. Officials claimed that the BBC’s own visual footage showed stick-wielding individuals belonging to the outlawed JAAC enforcing blockades, yet the text unfairly shifted the blame for shortages onto state law enforcement.
Punjab's Digital Monitoring Plan for Muharram
Separately, Punjab has rolled out a digital monitoring plan for Muharram to ensure security and order during the religious observances.
