Prolonged Internet Blackout Exceeds 100 Days Across Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Amid Ongoing Unrest

What is driving the unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir? Internet access has faced severe restrictions across the territory for over 100 days. Both mobile data and broadband services remain suspended following the outbreak of protests for electoral reform in early June.

To address the unrest, staggered elections took place across three rounds, concluding with the final phase on August 10. Despite the formation of a new government, the partial internet shutdown persists, causing continued disruptions to everyday life. Online banking websites and applications remain inaccessible, significantly impacting business activities throughout the region. Furthermore, the academic year has been disrupted as the government postponed entrance exams for students.

According to NetBlocks, an independent observer monitoring internet shutdowns, the partial blackout has been ongoing since June 5.

What triggered the protests? The unrest initially flared up in the lead-up to local elections that were scheduled for July 27. Kashmir is a disputed territory claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan. Pakistan-administered Kashmir operates under a semi-autonomous system, featuring its own prime minister and a legislative assembly comprising 45 total seats. This includes 12 seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir residing in other parts of Pakistan.

On June 5, authorities banned the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a grassroots umbrella organization that had called for the elimination of the 12 reserved seats in the legislature. Concurrently, authorities imposed the internet shutdown and launched a violent crackdown on demonstrations, which ultimately resulted in deadly clashes on July 27.

According to local residents and estimates, the death toll has exceeded 50 individuals, including seven law enforcement personnel, though these figures could not be independently verified. Voting was suspended in specific protest strongholds due to security concerns, yet a government was successfully formed based on election outcomes from the remainder of the autonomous region.