ISLAMABAD: Social media users in Pakistan and Afghanistan are circulating reports that authorities have blocked Al Jazeera transmissions following the network’s coverage of civilian casualties in recent Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan.
The claims gained traction on February 22 and 23, 2026, shortly after Al Jazeera published reports and videos detailing the aftermath of overnight air raids in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.
Pakistan’s military described the operations as intelligence-based strikes on seven camps and hideouts linked to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and affiliates responsible for recent attacks, including suicide bombings in Islamabad and other areas.
Officials claimed at least 70 fighters were killed in the selective actions.
Afghan authorities rejected these figures, accusing Pakistan of targeting civilian areas including homes and a religious school.
The Afghan Ministry of Defence stated that dozens of innocent people, including women and children, were killed and wounded in the strikes.
Local reports from Nangarhar’s Bihsud district confirmed at least 17 deaths, with six others missing and feared trapped under rubble.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society documented 18 fatalities and multiple injuries in the affected zones.
Al Jazeera’s on-ground reporting included interviews and visuals showing damaged residential structures and grieving families.
This coverage prompted online accusations that the channel was disseminating biased or inflammatory information.
Several X posts suggested Pakistan had followed Israel’s example by restricting or banning Al Jazeera to suppress unfavourable narratives.
Users compared the two nations, noting Israel’s extended blocks on the network’s websites and channels citing security concerns.
Some praised the alleged move as necessary to counter what they called terrorist propaganda.
Others criticised it as an attempt to silence truth about civilian harm in cross-border operations.
Despite the volume of such posts, no credible evidence supports an actual block.
Searches of official Pakistani sources, including PEMRA and government statements, reveal no directives or announcements restricting Al Jazeera.
The channel continues to maintain an active presence, with recent articles on Pakistan’s military actions in Balochistan and border disputes.
Al Jazeera has not issued any statement about operational difficulties or access issues in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s media landscape includes periodic restrictions during high-tension events, often involving local channels or platforms.
However, international broadcasters like Al Jazeera have generally operated without formal bans.
The absence of confirmation from regulatory bodies or the network itself indicates the reports stem from unverified social media speculation.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated following the strikes.
Kabul condemned the actions as breaches of sovereignty and international law.
Afghan officials promised retaliation at an appropriate time.
The incidents follow a pattern of cross-border accusations, with Pakistan blaming Afghan soil for sheltering militants launching attacks.
Previous airstrikes and clashes have strained relations despite intermittent truce efforts.
The circulation of block rumours highlights how quickly misinformation spreads in conflict-sensitive environments.
Users often amplify claims without independent verification, especially when media coverage diverges from official positions.
Observers note that such narratives can influence public perception but lack substantiation without official corroboration.
As of February 23, 2026, Al Jazeera remains accessible in Pakistan, and no policy change has been documented.
The episode underscores challenges in distinguishing fact from rumour during bilateral disputes.