AJK seeks phased internet restoration from today

The Azad Government of the State of Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) has requested the federal government to restore internet services across the region in phases from Monday, August 31, 2026.

A Home Department letter dated August 30 and addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior outlines a district-wise plan for restoring 3G, 4G and DSL services.

Under the proposed plan, internet access will be restored fully in some areas. Other districts will receive limited DSL services, mainly for educational institutions and banks. Rawalakot and Sudhnoti, however, will remain without internet services.

In Muzaffarabad Division, full DSL and 3G/4G services will be available in Upper and Lower Neelum. In Muzaffarabad district, DSL will be allowed only for educational institutions and banks.

In Jehlum Valley, DSL services will be restricted to schools, colleges, universities and banks. Leepa Valley will receive full DSL and 3G/4G services.

The restrictions will vary across Poonch Division. Rawalakot and Sudhnoti will remain completely without internet services.

In Bagh, DSL will be allowed only for educational institutions and banks within Bagh City and Dhirkot City limits. Haveli Kahuta will receive full DSL and 3G/4G services.

In Mirpur Division, Kotli will receive DSL services for educational institutions and banks, except in Sensa, Sarsawa, Baloch and Tatapani.

Bhimber and Mirpur districts will receive DSL services across their respective areas.

The Home Department has also placed conditions on whitelisted internet connections. Heads of educational institutions and bank branches will be required to submit affidavits to the relevant secretaries and the State Bank of Pakistan.

The affidavits will state that whitelisted DSL connections will not be used for activities or narratives considered detrimental to public order, state interests or national security.

The Higher Education Department, Elementary and Secondary Education Department, and the State Bank of Pakistan have been directed to urgently provide details of GPON and DSL connections for whitelisting.

Internet services in AJ&K have remained suspended for an extended period, affecting students, businesses, healthcare services and public communication.

The proposed phased restoration follows growing calls from civil society and media groups for an end to the prolonged digital blackout.

Officials say the phased approach is intended to address public needs while maintaining security considerations.