Internet services have started being restored in phases across eight districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, following a formal request by the AJK government to the federal Ministry of Interior. The restoration comes months after connectivity was suspended across the region on the evening of June 5, when authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee under anti-terrorism laws ahead of a planned strike, a shutdown that stretched on for weeks amid protests, sit-ins and clashes tied to JAAC’s demands over reserved refugee seats and other grievances.
The phased restoration covers DSL and 3G/4G services in selected areas, while access in some districts remains restricted to educational institutions and banks. In Muzaffarabad Division, DSL and 3G/4G services have started being restored in different areas, though in Muzaffarabad district itself, DSL connectivity will remain available only to educational institutions and banks. Limited DSL services will also be restored for educational institutions and banks in Bagh city and Dhirkot.
In Haveli Kahuta, both DSL and 3G/4G internet services will be restored, while residents in Mirpur and Bhimber will have DSL internet services available across their entire districts. In Kotli, DSL connectivity will be restored specifically for educational institutions and banks, while services will not be restored in Sensa, Sarsawa, Baloch and Tattapani. Internet services will remain unavailable for the time being in Rawalakot and Sudhnoti, two areas that were particularly affected by the unrest earlier this year. The AJK Home Department issued the phased restoration directive on August 30, with implementation beginning August 31.
Heads of educational institutions and officials responsible for bank branches eligible for restored connectivity have been directed to submit affidavits confirming that the internet connections will not be used in a manner contrary to state interests, national security or public order. The AJK Home Department has also directed relevant authorities to provide DSL and GPON connection details for whitelisting and monitoring. The prolonged shutdown had earlier disrupted education, businesses and government services across the region, drawing political attention after opposition leaders repeatedly criticized the extended suspension during AJK’s election campaign period.
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