World
Archived — This article has been archived. The information may be outdated.
Internet blackout leaves Pakistani Kashmir cut off
Al Jazeera··27 Jul
Mobile data and broadband have been suspended across Pakistan administered Kashmir since June 5 amid protests over reserved assembly seats. Residents in Poonch Division describe fuel shortages, stalled businesses and disrupted medical emergencies caused by the shutdown and road closures. A postgraduate college principal said students missed medical entrance exams. Officials say access remains restricted only in parts of Poonch.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Cross-border readers get a rare look at how prolonged shutdowns disrupt healthcare, trade and education for ordinary families.
- The postponed medical entrance exams show internet blackouts can cost students an entire academic year.
- Election related unrest nearby illustrates how regional protest movements can escalate into extended communications restrictions.
What's Happening
- Internet and mobile data across Pakistan-administered Kashmir have been suspended since June 5.
- Protests began after authorities banned a coalition demanding the removal of reserved refugee assembly seats.
- A phased legislative assembly election in the region began on July 27 despite continuing unrest.
One Family's Race Against a Fuel Shortage
- A Poonch resident described siphoning petrol from motorcycles to drive his brother nearly 150km for hospital care.
- Government officials say internet access is maintained at limited sites like banks, while movement is unrestricted.
- Support for the protest movement has faded in Muzaffarabad after it expanded beyond its original wheat price demands.
all-newstop-stories
