Internet services begin phased restoration across eight districts in Pakistan-administered Kashmir
Azad Jammu and Kashmir government initiated a phased restoration of internet services across eight districts, mandating affidavits from institutional heads and tying future connectivity directly to social media user conduct
Aamir Abbasi
Editor, Islamabad
Aamir; a journalist with 15 years of experience, working in Newspaper, TV and Digital Media. Worked in Field, covered Big Legal Constitutional and Political Events in Pakistan since 2009 with Pakistan’s Top Media Organizations. Graduate of Quaid I Azam University Islamabad.
Internet services have begun returning to parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) under a phased restoration plan covering eight districts, following an official order by the AJK Home Department.
The decision, coordinated with the federal Ministry of Interior, ends a multi-week blackout while imposing strict operational conditions and selective district access.
Where and how are internet services being restored across AJK?
The Home Department's notification outlines a tiered restoration model that varies significantly by region and connection type:
- Muzaffarabad Division: DSL and 3G/4G mobile data services are being restored across selected parts of the division. However, in Muzaffarabad city proper, DSL connectivity is initially restricted exclusively to accredited educational institutions and commercial banks.
- Poonch & Mirpur Divisions: Full DSL connectivity is being restored across the entirety of Mirpur and Bhimber districts. In Kotli, Bagh city, and Dhirkot, DSL access is limited strictly to educational institutions and banking branches. Haveli Kahuta will see both DSL and 3G/4G services re-established.
- Excluded Zones: Internet services remain fully suspended in Rawalakot and Sudhanoti, while localized blackouts remain in place for Sehansa, Sarsawa, Baloch, and Tatta Pani.
To prevent further disruptions, the AJK government requires heads of educational institutions and bank managers to submit signed affidavits promising that connections will not be used for activities contrary to state interests, national security, or public order.
What conditions govern future internet connectivity in the region?
The partial restoration follows a formal public commitment made by the newly elected AJK Prime Minister. However, state authorities cautioned that local digital connectivity remains conditional, warning that any future decisions to throttle or suspend internet services will directly depend on the conduct of social media users and online platforms.
The measures reflect ongoing efforts by regional authorities to balance public security and monitoring against the economic and educational necessities of digital infrastructure following recent civil unrest and political transitions across AJK.
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