Muhammad Irfan Ullah | August 28, 2026
The True Post (Web News) — Internet services are being restored in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after an improvement in the security and law-and-order situation that had previously led to restrictions on internet connectivity across the region.
The Azad Kashmir government has started restoring internet services in phases, following a commitment by newly elected Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani to bring back internet connectivity and restore normal life in the region.
Gilani had announced that internet services would be restored within two days, with educational institutions being given priority during the initial phase.
Internet Restrictions Imposed During Tense Situation
Internet services had remained restricted in parts of Azad Kashmir amid a difficult law-and-order situation and unrest in the region.
The restrictions affected residents, students, businesses and institutions that depend on internet connectivity for education, communication, banking and other daily activities.
With the situation now showing signs of improvement, authorities have begun restoring services gradually rather than reopening internet access across the entire region at once.
Internet Fully Restored in Neelum and Haveli Kahuta
According to the latest notification from the Azad Kashmir Home Department, internet services have been fully restored in Neelum district of Muzaffarabad Division.
Internet connectivity has also been fully restored in Haveli Kahuta, allowing residents in these areas to resume normal internet use.
DSL Services Restored in Mirpur and Bhimber
DSL internet services have also been restored in Mirpur and Bhimber.
However, connectivity remains restricted in some other areas, where authorities have initially allowed internet access only to selected institutions.
The phased approach reflects the authorities’ decision to restore communication facilities while continuing to monitor the situation in different districts.
Educational Institutions and Banks Given Priority
Educational institutions and banks have been given priority in several areas where full public internet access has not yet been restored.
According to the Home Department, DSL services have been made available to educational institutions and banks in areas including Jhelum Valley, Bagh, Dhirkot and Kotli.
The move is aimed at ensuring that students can continue their studies and that essential banking and administrative activities are not disrupted.
Institutions Required to Provide Undertakings
Institutions receiving whitelisted internet connections will be required to provide official undertakings.
Heads of the relevant institutions must assure authorities that the internet connections will not be used for activities that could affect public order, state interests or national security.
Internet Still Restricted in Some Areas
Despite the phased restoration, internet services have not yet been fully restored throughout Azad Kashmir.
Authorities are continuing to assess the situation before allowing unrestricted connectivity in areas where restrictions remain in place.
The government is expected to take further decisions regarding the restoration of services as the security and law-and-order situation continues to improve.
Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani Promised Restoration
Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani had announced shortly after taking office that restoring normal life and addressing public concerns would be among the priorities of his government.
He specifically pledged to restore internet connectivity across Azad Kashmir and said the service would initially be restored in phases, with educational institutions receiving priority.
The latest restoration marks the implementation of that commitment.
Relief for Students, Businesses and Residents
The restoration of internet services is expected to provide significant relief to residents who were affected by the restrictions.
Students rely on internet connectivity for online education and academic activities, while businesses, freelancers, banks and other institutions increasingly depend on stable internet services for their daily operations.
The restoration will therefore help support the gradual return of normal social and economic activity across the region.
Normalcy Returning Gradually
The phased restoration of internet services comes as authorities work toward restoring normalcy in Azad Kashmir following a period of unrest and restrictions.
While connectivity has already returned fully in some areas, other districts continue to receive limited access.
Officials are expected to monitor the situation closely before expanding internet services to the remaining areas.
For residents of Azad Kashmir, the restoration of internet connectivity represents an important step toward the return of normal life after a period of heightened tensions and communication restrictions.
