Overview
- Phased restoration began in Mirpur Division on Thursday after roughly 45–48 days of suspended mobile and internet service that had cut off residents and businesses.
- The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said it acted on federal directives after the AJK Election Commission intervened to restore connectivity before three-phase voting starting July 27.
- Services have returned in Mirpur city and named localities including Afzalpur, Chakswari, Mangla Hamlet, Islamgarh, Kotli and Bhimber while other areas remain offline or only partially connected.
- Users and businesses reported intermittent outages and slow speeds after reconnection, and local leaders have urged the PTA and operators to improve service and waive charges for the blackout period.
- Authorities suspended networks in early June after protests called by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee turned violent and the AJK government proscribed the group under the Anti-Terrorism Act, a move that has raised debate about security measures and their economic cost.