Pakistan lodges protest over foreign media outlet’s “false report” on Azad Kashmir

Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has stated that it has lodged a strong official protest

Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has stated that it has lodged a strong official protest and filed a formal complaint against a foreign broadcasting organization over what it described as a false report concerning Azad Kashmir.

In a statement issued from Islamabad, the ministry said the report published by the foreign media outlet was based on unverified and unsubstantiated allegations. It further claimed that the publication ignored official facts and the government’s documented position on the matter.

According to the ministry, this is not the first time the said international broadcaster has published unverified or questionable content. It alleged that the repeated publication of unconfirmed claims is becoming a concerning pattern, adding that effective corrective measures are necessary to address such practices.

The statement further noted that the foreign media organization recently published misleading information regarding the closure of routes in Azad Kashmir. The ministry clarified that the report did not reflect the actual situation on the ground and contradicted verified facts.

It also highlighted that the government of Azad Kashmir has already rejected the claims made in the report, describing them as baseless and misleading. Authorities emphasized that official clarifications had been issued to correct the narrative and present accurate information regarding the situation in the region.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stressed that international media organizations have a responsibility to ensure accuracy, fairness, and verification before publishing reports, especially on sensitive political and regional matters. It warned that the spread of unverified or misleading information can contribute to misunderstanding and misrepresentation of ground realities.

Officials reiterated that Pakistan values freedom of the press and constructive international journalism but expects adherence to professional standards and ethical reporting practices. They emphasized that misinformation not only undermines credibility but can also negatively affect diplomatic and public perceptions.

The ministry further urged global media outlets to avoid publishing unverified, misleading, or baseless content, particularly regarding regions that require careful and responsible coverage. It called for greater diligence in fact-checking and reliance on official sources before dissemination of news.

According to the statement, maintaining accuracy in reporting is essential for ensuring trust between governments, media organizations, and the public. The ministry added that it will continue to take necessary steps to address misinformation and protect the country’s position on international platforms.

The issue reflects ongoing tensions between governments and certain international media outlets over the interpretation and reporting of sensitive regional developments. Authorities in Pakistan have repeatedly called for responsible journalism and greater accountability in global news coverage.