AJK begins phased restoration of internet services in eight districts

MUZAFFARABAD: Internet services are being restored in phases across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after being suspended on June 5 during a protest movement, with access returning to eight districts from today.

DSL services are being restored across Mirpur and Bhimber districts, while access remains restricted in several other areas. In some locations, internet services are being made available only to educational institutions and banks.

The decision follows a formal request from the AJK government to the federal Ministry of Interior for restoration of internet services.

The government has also decided that any future suspension of internet services will be linked to the “behaviour of social media users.”

In Muzaffarabad division, DSL and 3G/4G services are being restored in different areas. In Muzaffarabad district, DSL access is being provided only to educational institutions and banks.

Limited DSL services are being restored for educational institutions and banks in Bagh city and Dhirkot. In Haveli Kahutta, both DSL and 3G/4G services are being restored.

In Kotli, DSL services are being restored for educational institutions and banks, while full DSL access is being made available across Mirpur and Bhimber districts.

DSL services are not being restored in Sehnsa, Sarsawa, Balouch and Tatta Pani. Internet services are also not being restored for now in Rawalakot and Sudhanoti.

Affidavits required

Heads of educational institutions and officials responsible for bank branches are being directed to submit affidavits before internet connections are restored.

The affidavits are to include assurances that the connections will not be used against state interests or national security. They will also include assurances that internet connections will not be used against public order.

The internet shutdown had been imposed across Azad Kashmir on June 5 following a protest movement launched by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, which had been seeking acceptance of its demands.

The committee had called for a long march to Muzaffarabad, the region’s capital, on June 9. On June 5, following an alleged attack on a core member of the J&K JAAC and subsequent clashes between protesters and security forces, the committee was declared proscribed and internet services were suspended across the region without prior notice.

Internet services had been restored intermittently in some areas during the general election before being suspended again.

Gillani had announced restoration measures

Newly elected Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Barrister Iftikhar Gillani had said on Saturday that restoring normal life in the region was among his government’s top priorities.

During a visit to the Central Press Club in Muzaffarabad, Gillani said internet services at educational institutions would be restored soon, while efforts were also under way to resume general internet services across the region.

He said the government was taking effective measures to remove road blockages and other obstacles disrupting routine life. He also announced that freight vehicle movement would resume from Sunday, saying the decision would help ease difficulties faced by residents and the business community.

Gillani said his government would launch an extensive development programme in Azad Kashmir and take all possible measures to address public grievances.

He said development and public welfare had always been central to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s agenda and that his government would serve the people under the same vision.

The prime minister also highlighted the role of the media in improving government performance, saying the administration valued its constructive contribution.

He urged journalists to point out shortcomings and identify public issues so the government could take steps to address them.

“Journalists should help guide and improve the government,” Gillani said, adding that the administration was committed to completing its tenure with a strong performance.

He said the government would focus on resolving public grievances, improving access to basic facilities and advancing development across Azad Kashmir.