AJK Internet Blackout Hits 8th Day, Disrupts Education and Work
Internet services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have remained suspended for the eighth consecutive day, significantly affecting students, freelancers, and residents who rely on online connectivity for education and work.
The ongoing blackout has compelled many AJK residents to travel outside the region in search of internet access. Some have crossed the border into neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to complete urgent tasks that require a stable connection. Ryan Khan, a student from Muzaffarabad, shared his experience of traveling to Garhi Habibullah in KP to submit online documents, witnessing dozens of others who had made similar trips for the same reason.
Students have expressed growing concern over the impact of the prolonged shutdown on their academic progress, urging authorities to restore internet connectivity immediately to prevent further disruption to their studies.
Adding to the difficulties, mobile phone services in Rawalakot were also suspended after 8:30 pm on Saturday, restricting communication even further during what is described as a sensitive security environment in the region.
The blackout coincides with ongoing partial strikes and sit-in protests organized by supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee, which have been taking place in AJK for four consecutive days.
The internet suspension has put a spotlight on the challenges faced by AJK’s residents in accessing essential online services, impacting not only education and freelance work but also day-to-day communication and access to information.