Dawn’s websites down in Pakistan, probe under way

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s leading English-language newspaper Dawn’s websites (dawn.com) and its affiliated television channel, Dawn News (dawnnews.tv), are currently inaccessible in Pakistan.

The Dawn management has confirmed that technical teams are investigating the issue to determine the reasons behind the disruption. 

“It is too early to comment on the specific reasons behind the inaccessibility,” the Dawn management said, adding that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. 

Dawn is Pakistan’s oldest and most respected English-language newspaper, established in 1941 by Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Its digital platform, Dawn.com, with 3 million followers on Facebook, complements the print edition with real-time updates, multimedia content, and in-depth analysis. The website is one of the country’s most-visited English news portals, catering to a diverse audience that includes professionals, academics, and policymakers. 

A significant portion of Dawn.com’s readership is based in Pakistan, with additional traffic from around the world. The platform’s reach is amplified by its strong presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where it shares breaking news, opinion pieces, and multimedia content. 

Also read: Council of Islamic Ideology declares VPN use ‘un-Islamic’ 

Known for its editorial independence, Dawn has built a reputation as a reliable and credible source of news, often critically examining government policies and power structures. The publication adheres to rigorous fact-checking processes, making it a trusted outlet for domestic and international audiences seeking insights into Pakistan. However, Dawn has faced challenges in the past, including censorship and pressure from state institutions, which have tested its commitment to press freedom. 

The disruption of its digital platforms has raised concerns about access to independent journalism in Pakistan. As Dawn’s websites remain inaccessible, questions linger over whether the disruption stems from technical issues or external interference.

The situation highlights the fragile state of press freedom in the country, where independent voices often face significant hurdles in reaching the public.