Internet services have been restored in some areas of southern Mirpur division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Restoration of services began on Thursday, just a few days ahead of the first phase of the elections in AJK.
AJK Internet Services Partially Restored in Mirpur After 48-Day Shutdown
The Internet shutdown was for 48 days. During this period, Internet outage posed a great problem in terms of education, business, and electoral processes. Problems were faced by students, freelancers, and online businessmen due to inability to use the Internet.
Why Were Internet Services Suspended?
Internet was shut down throughout the territory in AJK on the night of June 5. This move followed the decision to ban the same organization, that is, JAAC, before its planned march. The long shutdown of Internet services would affect numerous aspects of life. Not only was it affecting lives of people, but it also hampered the functioning of government services and other online activities.
Read more: PTA Confirms Internet Services Back to Normal After Submarine Cable Fault
Internet Shutdown Becomes Election Issue
The issue of the internet itself entered the political debate during the electoral race. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party Parlimentarians PPP, referred to the long closure multiple times. On Wednesday, addressing an election rally in Mirpur, he asked why the internet services were not available yet. The report also noted that protesters in Rawalakot could upload their videos online.
Also, on Wednesday, the President of PPP AJK Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin wrote to the chief election commissioner of AJK regarding this matter. He stated that the long closure of the internet hindered the process of elections significantly and restricted voters’ access to information ahead of elections.
Internet Services Begin Returning in Mirpur
At around 5pm on Thursday, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced on X that internet services had returned to Mirpur. After making the announcement, cellular companies and internet providers began restoring their services in parts of the Mirpur region.
A resident of Mirpur, Chaudhry Khalid, reported to Dawn that the services of cellular data began resurfacing sometime between 5:30 pm and 7 pm. The fixed-line internet services started to return by about 8 pm. But the PML-N candidate of Mirpur Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed believes that the restoration of internet services is due to the involvement of his party’s leaders.
More Areas Get Internet Access
Residents of Afzalpur, Chakswari, Islamgarh, Mangla Hamlet, Dadyal, and Jatlan have confirmed that internet services have returned, but they said the speeds remain slow. Broadband internet services have also returned in Kotli and Bhimber districts. However, residents in Muzaffarabad and nearby areas still do not have internet access, and people continue contacting service providers for updates. The latest developments also come as PTA Approves 21 District Internet Licenses to expand broadband connectivity and improve internet access across Pakistan.
Read more: Punjab to Launch Satellite Internet for Rural Communities
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz were also scheduled to speak at an election rally in Mirpur on Friday. Restoration of internet services in some of the areas of AJK is coming days prior to the first phase of elections. However, there are some areas which have yet to restore their internet services. News source eTimes Pakistan.
