Protests Erupt in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Over Chronic Telecom Failures

Residents of Havelli district in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have launched angry protests against SCOM, the region’s state-backed telecommunications provider, and its subsidiary SCO, over what they describe as years of substandard mobile and internet services.

The demonstrations, which drew large crowds, saw protesters marching from College Chowk to the office of the Assistant Commissioner while carrying banners and placards condemning the telecom company’s poor performance.

During a subsequent protest gathering at AC Office Chowk, speakers delivered impassioned speeches criticizing the persistently unreliable services. Protesters revealed that since the 27th of Ramadan, connectivity has been so poor that even receiving phone calls has become impossible, while the dismal internet speeds have paralyzed both businesses and educational activities.

Many residents, whose livelihoods depend on online work, expressed extreme frustration at being unable to earn a living due to the inadequate service.

The protesters highlighted that despite Havelli becoming a district 16 years ago, telecom services have seen no improvement, and no alternative network providers have been permitted to operate in the area. “It feels like we’re living in another world,” one demonstrator remarked, emphasizing the region’s digital isolation.

Speakers at the rally accused SCOM, a telecom company affiliated with the Pakistani military, of generating billions in revenue while failing to invest in better infrastructure.

Frustrated by the lack of action, protesters issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to launch a full district-wide shutdown and a more aggressive protest movement if immediate improvements are not made.

The demonstration underscores growing public anger over the monopoly held by SCOM, which operates without competition in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, often drawing criticism for prioritizing control over service quality.

The protest reflects broader discontent in the region, where residents increasingly demand reliable connectivity as a basic necessity rather than a privilege. With digital access crucial for education, business, and communication, the failure of state-backed telecom services has left many feeling neglected and marginalized. Authorities have yet to respond to the protesters’ demands, but the threat of escalated demonstrations looms if no solution is forthcoming.

This unrest highlights the challenges faced by residents in disputed regions where telecommunications remain tightly controlled, often leaving communities struggling with outdated and inefficient infrastructure while their calls for improvement go unanswered.