Internet Services Restore in Mirpur Ahead of AJK Elections

Mobile phone and internet services began restoring in Mirpur and surrounding areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on July 23, 2026. The restoration ends a 45-day communications blackout that began last month after protests by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) turned violent. The JAAC had demanded the abolition of 12 refugee seats in the AJK Assembly, leading the government to ban the organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, credited the intervention of the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for the restoration of services. He called for similar connectivity returns in Muzaffarabad and other affected areas.

The timing of the restoration precedes regional elections scheduled in three phases. Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal announced that voting will begin on July 27, with the Mirpur Division scheduled to vote first.