VOA Urdu website blocked

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 6 December 2018

The Voice of America Urdu website became inaccessible in Pakistan on Thursday. Authorities have not disclosed the reasons behind the website's blockage.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – The Voice of America Urdu website https://www.urduvoa.com/ on Thursday suddenly became inaccessible in Pakistan and was reportedly blocked by the authorities.

There was no official word on what led to the shutting down of the website.

A message that showed up said: “Surf Safely! This website is not accessible. The site you are trying to access contains content that is prohibited for viewership from within Pakistan.”

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority blocks websites in the country. Only last year it closed down over 6000 websites.

Key Points

VOA Urdu website blocked in Pakistan.
No official reason provided for the blockage.
Users encountered a message stating the site is prohibited.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is responsible for such actions.
Over 6000 websites were blocked last year in Pakistan.

Relevant Topics

VOA

Urdu

Website

Pakistan

Censorship

Telecommunication

Ask AI: Understand this story your way

AI Enabled

Dig deeper, ask anything — get instant context, background, and clarity.

Language

Format

Tone

Audience

Focus

Reading level

Length

The AI generates results based on your selected options

Your AI-generated results will appear here after you click the button.

Disclaimer: This feature is powered by AI and is intended to help readers explore and understand news stories more easily. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally be incomplete or reflect limitations in the underlying model. This feature does not represent the editorial views of JournalismPakistan. For our full, verified reporting, please refer to the original article.

Don't Miss These

Dawn CEO flags new era of media pressure in Pakistan

April 30, 2026: Dawn CEO Hameed Haroon warns that press freedom in Pakistan has shifted from visible censorship to diffuse economic and regulatory pressures limiting journalism.

Journalists at war with themselves: A crisis no one will win

April 30, 2026: Pakistan's journalists are divided after an Islamabad event sparked clashes over press club authority, union rivalries and a wave of hostile social media exchanges.

Matiullah Jan and the cost of speaking about press freedom

April 29, 2026: Backlash against journalist Matiullah Jan after he spoke with foreign reporters has raised whether discussing press freedom is deemed misconduct in Pakistan.

Amar Guriro selected for global nuclear reporting group

April 28, 2026: Amar Guriro has been selected for the RevCon Reporters Group to cover the NPT Review Conference through the Stanley Center's Developing Story Project.

Journalist Matiullah Jan exits Neo News amid controversy

April 28, 2026: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan has left Neo News after 3.5 years, citing concerns about media freedom following controversy over a journalists' event.

PNP launches nationwide media quiz

April 26, 2026: PNP launches a nationwide online quiz for World Press Freedom Day 2026 to promote media rights, ethical journalism and media literacy; winners announced May 3.

Why social media is a battleground for Pakistani journalists

April 22, 2026: Pakistani journalists' social media presence has moved professional disputes into public view, amplifying conflicts and blurring lines between reporting and branding.

From regulation to resignations: Pakistan's media fault lines

April 19, 2026: Pakistan's media faced regulatory scrutiny, leadership changes and digital consolidation, highlighting industry stress and rising international recognition.

Newsroom

Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut freed in US brokered swap

April 29, 2026 Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut was freed in a U.S.-brokered prisoner swap in late April 2026, ending his long detention on political charges.

Press freedom declines amid aggressive PECA enforcement: report

April 29, 2026 Freedom Network says press freedom in Pakistan has declined as amended PECA and regulatory actions were used to target journalists and curb online dissent.

CBS News replaces London chief amid Gaza coverage row

April 28, 2026 CBS News replaced its London bureau chief while restructuring to a centralized foreign editor model intended to streamline international coverage amid internal tensions linked to Gaza reporting.

Maldives raid on Adhadhu intensifies press pressure

April 28, 2026 Maldivian police raided Adhadhu, seized devices and barred senior staff from travel after a documentary alleged presidential misconduct, prompting criticism over press suppression.

Tunisia detains journalist, escalating press crackdown

April 28, 2026 Tunisian authorities have detained journalist Zied el-Heni over a social media post criticizing a judicial ruling, sparking renewed concerns about press freedom.