AJK PM Iftikhar Gilani restores internet, easing months-long disruption

Internet was suspended in Rawalakot on June 5 amid JAAC protests and restored partially after 48 days

MUZAFFARABAD:

Azad Jammu and Kashmir AJK Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani has fulfilled his first promise to restore internet services in AJK, bringing relief to thousands of residents, students, freelancers and business owners who welcomed the move after months of disruption.

The AJK government has ordered the restoration of internet services in eight districts, with full services resumed in four districts while broadband and Wi-Fi connectivity will be available only to educational institutions in four others.

According to a notification issued by the AJK Home Department on the directions of PM Gilani, internet services will remain completely suspended in Poonch division’s two districts, Sudhnoti and Rawalakot.

In Muzaffarabad, Jhelum Valley, Bagh and Kotli, the broadband and Wi-Fi internet services will be restored only for educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities.

Meanwhile, full internet services have been ordered restored in Mirpur, Bhimber, Haveli and Neelum Valley. Complete internet connectivity has also been restored in Leepa Valley, according to the notification.

Gilani had announced the restoration of internet services during his first media talk at Central Press Club two days ago.

The AJK people and freelancers welcomed the partial restoration, saying the move would help revive business and professional activities that had been badly affected by the prolonged suspension.

Internet services were initially suspended in Rawalakot on June 5 following restrictions imposed after the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee JAAC called for a long march and sit-in. The services were partially restored after a prolonged 48-day suspension.

However, following a strike and clashes in the capital city of AJK’s commercial nerve, Lower Plate, internet services were suspended again on July 25, just two days after their restoration.

Officials said the restoration process would be completed in phases, adding that mobile internet services would also be restored in a subsequent phase.

The prolonged suspension severely affected business activities and government operations, while thousands of residents remained deprived of internet access. Traders dependent on digital payments suffered financial losses, while students, freelancers, government employees and other professionals faced difficulties in carrying out their routine activities.

The AJK residents and freelancers also urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority PTA, Special Communication Organisation and other internet service providers to waive charges for the days during which internet services remained unavailable across AJK.

They argued that consumers had paid for services that were not available during the suspension period, while businesses and professional activities were also severely disrupted.