Internet Shutdown in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Exceeds 100 Days Amid Political Unrest

Internet services in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have remained severely restricted for more than 100 days following protests over electoral reforms and political representation in the territory.

Mobile data and broadband services were suspended on June 5 after demonstrations intensified ahead of local elections scheduled for July 27.

Despite the conclusion of the elections and the formation of a new government, the partial internet shutdown remains in place, continuing to affect residents and businesses.

According to NetBlocks, an independent organisation that monitors internet disruptions worldwide, the internet blackout has continued since June 5.

The restrictions have affected access to websites and applications used for online banking, disrupting commercial activities and making it difficult for businesses and residents to carry out routine financial transactions.

Students have also been affected, with the disruption to internet services interfering with academic activities.

Authorities reportedly postponed entrance examinations as the shutdown continued.
The unrest was linked to demands by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a grassroots coalition that called for electoral reforms, including the removal of 12 reserved
legislative seats allocated to refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir living elsewhere in Pakistan.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir operates under a semi-autonomous system, with its own prime minister and a 45-member legislative assembly.

The region remains part of the wider Kashmir dispute, which is claimed by both India and Pakistan.

Authorities banned the JKJAAC on June 5 and imposed the internet restrictions as protests intensified. The situation later escalated into violent clashes on July 27, resulting in deaths and injuries.

Residents and local sources have put the death toll at more than 50, including seven members of the security forces, although the figures have not been independently verified.

Because of security concerns, voting was not conducted in some areas regarded as protest strongholds.

However, elections proceeded in other parts of the territory, and a new government was subsequently formed based on the results.

More than three months after the initial shutdown, residents continue to face limited access to the internet, raising concerns over its impact on education, commerce, communication and everyday life across Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

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