Broadband internet services were restored across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) at midnight on September 13 after a 99-day outage, although 3G and 4G mobile internet services remain suspended for several more days.
The restoration is expected to provide relief to students, businesses, journalists, freelancers and government employees who faced difficulties due to the prolonged disruption. Traders and other residents were also affected, particularly by the inability to conduct digital transactions and routine online work.
The restoration followed directions by AJK High Court Judge Justice Shahid Bahar, who directed authorities to resume internet services within 10 days, except in areas where the law and order situation did not permit this.
Internet services were initially suspended on June 5 amid protests led by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee in Rawalakot. Following partial restoration, services were disrupted again following protests and clashes in Muzaffarabad.
Partial connectivity was restored in some districts on August 31.
