Muzaffarabad: Internet services in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (commonly known as Azad Kashmir) have remained suspended for 35 consecutive days, significantly disrupting education, remote work, digital businesses, and everyday life for thousands of residents.
The prolonged outage has particularly affected freelancers, university students, online entrepreneurs, and professionals who rely on stable internet access for their livelihoods and communication.
Freelancers Report Financial Losses
Pakistan-administered Kashmir has a growing community of freelancers working with international clients through global digital platforms. Many say the extended internet shutdown has prevented them from meeting project deadlines, communicating with clients, and receiving payments.
Several freelancers have reported losing contracts and facing financial uncertainty as the disruption continues.
Students Struggle to Continue Their Education
Students across the region have also been impacted by the suspension of internet services. Access to online classes, research materials, university portals, scholarship applications, and digital learning resources has become difficult or impossible for many.
Education advocates warn that prolonged connectivity disruptions could have long-term consequences for students preparing for examinations and higher education opportunities.
Businesses and Digital Services Disrupted
The internet shutdown has also affected online businesses, digital banking, e-commerce, and communication services. Small businesses that depend on online orders and digital payments say they are experiencing declining sales and operational challenges.
Residents have reported difficulties accessing essential online services, including banking applications and government portals.
Calls for Immediate Restoration
Freelancers, students, business owners, and civil society members have urged the authorities to restore internet services as soon as possible, arguing that prolonged connectivity restrictions are affecting education, economic activity, and access to information.
As the shutdown enters its 35th day, concerns continue to grow over its social and economic impact on communities across Pakistan-administered Kashmir.