Broadband internet services have been restored across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Sunday at 12am after remaining shut for 99 days, apart from a brief restoration of more than 40 hours.
The DSL connectivity has also been restored, while 3G and 4G mobile internet services will remain unavailable for a few days.
The restoration will give some relief to students, businesses, journalists, professionals and households that had been facing difficulties accessing online services during the suspension of mobile internet in AJK.
Read: Broadband internet services to resume in AJK capital after months-long disruption
However, the continued absence of 3G and 4G services means users dependent on mobile data will remain without connectivity, particularly those who do not have access to fixed-line DSL connections.
The people welcomed the government’s decision to restore the internet and termed it a big relief, particularly for students and businessmen.
The restoration of DSL services comes amid continued demands from residents and business communities for the restoration of normal internet connectivity across the region.
The AJK High Court Judge Justice Shahid Bahar had issued directions on Wednesday for the restoration of internet services within 10 days.
Justice Bahar issued the directions during the preliminary hearing of two separate petitions filed by the AJK Bar Association and a local citizen seeking the restoration of internet services. The court clubbed the petitions and directed the government to ensure restoration within 10 days, while allowing an exception for areas where law and order conditions did not permit the resumption of services.
The order comes after months of disruption to internet connectivity in AJK, which has severely affected education, businesses, government operations and digital services.
Also Read: Internet returns to parts of AJK
On August 31, on the directives of AJK Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani, authorities issued a notification partially restoring internet services in several districts. The DSL services were subsequently restored in areas including Mirpur, Neelum and Haveli, but full connectivity remained unavailable in Muzaffarabad.
Internet services were initially suspended on June 5 following a long march and sit-in announced by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee in Rawalakot. After around 48 days of disruption, services were partially restored, but connectivity in Muzaffarabad was suspended again on July 25 following a strike and clashes.
PM AJK Gilani had announced the restoration of internet services during his first media interaction at the Muzaffarabad Press Club on August 31.
The prolonged suspension has taken a heavy toll on economic and professional activities. Students have been among the worst affected, while traders dependent on digital payments have suffered financial losses. Freelancers, government employees and other professionals have also faced difficulties performing routine work due to the lack of reliable internet access.
