Cellular Service Crisis in Azad Kashmir: Franchise Sales Suspended Amid Poor Connectivity

Rawalakot: The directive to halt franchise sales of cellular services in Pakistan administered Kashmir also known as Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) has been referred to higher authorities, with companies now being granted adequate time to improve their service quality. This development comes after long-standing concerns regarding the persistently poor cellular connectivity in the region, despite nearly two decades of operation by multinational telecom providers.

Cellular services were first introduced in the Pakistan administered Kashmir in 2005, primarily to facilitate communication for international donors and aid workers following the devastating earthquake. However, even after 20 years, these companies have failed to substantially upgrade their networks. While calls within cities were once feasible, current conditions show a significant deterioration, with signal loss occurring frequently even during short power outages. Meanwhile, telecom companies continue to increase monthly package prices.

An important logistical question remains regarding the restoration time for backup generators at cellular towers, which is estimated to be a maximum of 24 hours. This delay exacerbates the frequent interruptions in service, especially in remote areas.

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Additionally, a major issue persists in the disparity of cellular packages across Pakistan’s provinces compared to those available in Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. While some packages in mainland Pakistan are offered at low rates, such affordable options are either unavailable or significantly more expensive in these northern territories. The government plans to release detailed information on this pricing discrepancy in the coming days.

Although imposing heavy fines on telecom companies for inadequate service is considered necessary, enforcement of such measures has been stalled following directives from the Chief Secretary of AJK, a Pakistani national. This has resulted in the suspension of orders issued by Deputy Commissioners who had called for shutting down cellular companies until they improved their services. The Azad Kashmir government lacks the authority to directly negotiate with telecom providers or enforce stringent oversight, as telecommunications fall under the federal jurisdiction of Pakistan.

This complex administrative setup means that despite mounting public frustration, no lasting resolution to cellular service issues is forthcoming without significant and sustained public protest. Such protests, however, often result only in temporary relief before the previous status quo is restored.

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The persistent neglect of cellular infrastructure in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan reflects broader systemic challenges faced by these regions, where governance, regulatory oversight, and service provision remain entangled in bureaucratic constraints and political considerations.