Dubai: A media watchdog has alleged that Pakistani authorities have blocked the circulation of Dawn newspaper in the country.
The move allegedly came after the English-language newspaper published an interview with ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif on the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Sharif's controversial remarks in the interview, published on May 12, allegedly drew ire from Pakistan's military establishment.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said Pakistan started blocking the circulation of Dawn newspaper on May 15.
"The unwarranted blocking of the distribution of one of the main independent newspapers has yet again shown that the military are determined to maintain their grip on access to news and information in Pakistan," RSF said.
"It is clear that the military high command does not want to allow a democratic debate in the months preceding a general election. We call on the authorities to stop interfering in the dissemination of independent media and to restore distribution of Dawn throughout Pakistan," RSF added.
In the interview, Sharif confessed to the involvement of Pakistani terrorists in the Mumbai terror attacks that killed 166 people, and said that "militant organisations are active in Pakistan".
Sharif has defended his remarks, saying he will continue speaking the truth.
