Internet services begin returning to AJK after prolonged blackout
Internet services return to selected areas
Under the phased plan, internet access is being restored in different ways across various districts.
In Muzaffarabad Division, DSL as well as 3G and 4G services will be restored, according to the notification.
Internet services, including DSL and 3G/4G, will also be restored in Haveli Kahuta.
Residents of the entire districts of Mirpur and Bhimber will have access to DSL internet services.
The restoration is expected to provide relief to residents who have faced difficulties accessing online education, banking, business services, and other digital facilities.
Limited DSL services for institutions
In some areas, internet access will initially remain restricted to specific institutions.
DSL connectivity in Bagh and Dhirkot will be restored on a limited basis for educational institutions and banks. The authorities have introduced a whitelisting system for eligible institutions.
Heads of educational institutions and bank branches seeking access will have to submit affidavits before receiving the restricted connections. They will also have to provide an undertaking that the internet service will not be used for activities considered harmful to national security.
Some areas remain without internet
Despite the phased restoration, internet services will not return to all areas immediately.
DSL services will remain unavailable in Sehensa, Sarsawa, Baloch and Tatta Pani.
Internet services will also remain suspended for the time being in Rawalakot and Sudhanoti.
This means residents across AJK will continue to experience different levels of connectivity depending on their location.
Government adopts controlled approach
The phased approach allows the AJK government to gradually restore connectivity while maintaining restrictions in selected areas. The arrangement also allows authorities to provide internet access to institutions that require it for essential services.
The Home Department has placed conditions on whitelisted connections to ensure that internet access is used only for approved purposes. The government is therefore attempting to balance public access to communication with security-related concerns.
Internet shutdown disrupted daily life
The latest restoration follows a prolonged suspension of internet and mobile phone services across AJK.
Authorities had ordered the suspension in June amid tensions surrounding a planned strike by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). According to reports, the communication blackout began at 11:30pm on June 5, 2026, following a breakdown in negotiations between the government and the JAAC.
Also Read: PIA PK-784 makes emergency return to Toronto after fire alarm
The services were initially expected to remain suspended until June 12 as part of security and administrative measures. The disruption affected education, online businesses, banking, communication, and access to other digital services.
Restoration brings relief to residents
The return of internet services is expected to make daily activities easier for people in areas where connectivity has been restored.
Students will be able to resume online learning and access educational resources more easily. Businesses, freelancers, and other online workers can also reconnect with customers and digital platforms.
Banks and other institutions will benefit from improved digital communication where services have been restored. However, residents in areas that remain offline will continue to face connectivity problems until further decisions are announced.
What happens next?
The restoration is expected to continue in phases as the AJK government reviews the situation in different districts. Areas currently receiving limited services could see wider connectivity if authorities approve further restoration.
For residents of Rawalakot, Sudhanoti and other areas where services remain suspended, the timing of restoration is still uncertain. The government’s next decisions will determine how quickly full internet access returns across AJK.
