Internet and Mobile Services Suspended due to Political Unrest in Azad Kashmir.
FOE Link or motive by PPF
ConfirmedCase Update Status
Mobile and internet services across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) remained suspended since September 28, with the blackout expected to continue until at least October 4, amid mounting political unrest.
Summary of Case
On September 28, 2025, mobile and internet services were suspended across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following violent clashes during protests organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC). The blackout affected major cities including Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Rawalakot, disrupting communication and access to information for millions of residents. The JKJAAC had called for a peaceful protest to demand the government address its long-standing charter of demands related to electricity tariffs, taxation, and governance issues. However, the demonstration turned violent when rival groups clashed, resulting in one death and multiple injuries, including that of a police officer. Both sides accused each other of inciting the violence. In response, authorities imposed a complete suspension of mobile and internet services, citing security concerns and the need to prevent misinformation from spreading. The communications blackout, which lasted for six days, severely hampered journalists’ ability to report from affected areas, restricted access to verified information, and isolated communities from national and international media coverage.
Category of Incident
Censorship, internet suspension
ICCS Status
ICCS Divisions: 0803-Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression
ICCS Group:
ICCS Class:
ICCS Crime: 08031-Act against freedom of expression
Reported By
Dawn
Date of incident
28
Month
September
Year
2025
Name of affected person
N/A
Other affected persons
N/A
Name of affected organization
N/A
Other affected organizations
N/A
Action by
AJK Govt
City
All cities
Province
Across Jammu and Kashmir
Designation
N/A
Professional category
N/A
Age of victim
N/A
Marital Status
N/ACompensation Details
Amount of compensation announced by government: N/A
Date of compensation announcement by government: N/A
Date of compensation paid by government: N/A
Amount of compensation announced by others: N/A
Date of compensation announced by others: N/A
Date compensation paid by others: N/A
FIR Details
Was FIR registered ?: No
Court Details
Was case investigated ?: N/A
Court where case was presented: N/A
Name of prosecuting lawyer: N/A
Date of first court hearing:
Date of last court hearing:
Status of court case: N/A
Journalist Union Status
PFUJ
No version was recorded
APNS
No version was recorded
CPNE
No version was recorded
PBA
No version was recorded
Condemn Status
Colleague of victim
N/A
Employer organization
N/A
Press Club Status
Press club 1: N/A
Press club 2: N/A
Press club 3: N/A