Full Breakdown
Internet Shutdown and Roadblocks Paralyze Daily Life in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir
7/24/2026, 11:02:38 AM
Background & Context
In June 2026 authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition demanding the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees. The ban sparked weeks of strikes, sit-ins and clashes that left dozens dead and set the stage for a phased legislative assembly election scheduled to begin on July 27.
Core Event
Since June 5, mobile data and broadband services across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have been suspended. Roadblocks—especially in the Poonch Division—have restricted transport, fuel supplies and the movement of goods, creating a dual crisis of communication and mobility.
Impact on Health, Education and Business
- Health: Construction labourer Zaheer Iqbal carried his brother to the nearest road, used 2.5 L of petrol to reach Hajira hospital and a further 5 L for a four-hour drive to Islamabad, where his brother is now recovering.
- Education: Masood Khan, principal of a local postgraduate college, said the internet closure is “the single biggest obstacle,” forcing the postponement of three medical-college entrance-exam papers and leaving students without results.
- Food security: Trader Malik Niaz Ahmed reported that the June wheat allocation was never fulfilled. Flour now sells for about 6,000 rupees per maund (? 37 kg) versus the subsidised rate of 2,200 rupees.
- Business: Printing-shop owner Malik Dawood estimates losses of 15-20 million rupees during the election-season peak. Staff must travel two hours outside Muzaffarabad for a mobile signal. Salon owner Salma Ahmed cannot print marketing material, and staff from Islamabad refuse to travel because of the unrest.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Commissioner Munir Qureshi told Al Jazeera that internet access is maintained at a limited number of locations, including banks, and that road closures are confined to parts of the Poonch Division. He said movement across Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions remains unrestricted and that election campaigning continues as planned.
Data & Statistics
- Internet shutdown began June 5.
- Wheat flour price: 6,000 rupees per maund vs subsidised 2,200 rupees.
- Fuel used for emergency transport: 2.5 L + 5 L.
- Distance to Islamabad hospital: ? 140 km.
- Estimated business loss for a printing firm: 15-20 million rupees.
- Election timeline: phased start July 27; voting in Poonch Division scheduled August 10.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Government officials claim internet service is available at limited sites and that road closures affect only parts of Poonch. Residents across Poonch and Sudhnoti, however, report a total shutdown with no exceptions and pervasive fuel shortages. Independent verification of the shutdown’s geographic scope is not provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We put him on a bed and took him on our shoulders and walked a long way to the road connecting to the city,” — Zaheer Iqbal
- “But when it comes to reality on the ground, the only tool they have is to close down the internet, regardless of how badly it impacts the public.” — Malik Dawood
What’s Next
The legislative assembly election in Poonch Division is scheduled for August 10. Authorities have not indicated any change to the internet shutdown or roadblock policies ahead of the vote.
