Protests over High wheat and electricity prices have caused significant disruption in Azad Jammu & Kashmir

FOE Link or motive by PPF

Confirmed

Case Update Status

Internet was restored

Summary of Case

"Protests over high wheat and electricity prices have caused significant disruption in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) since May 11, leading to the suspension of internet and cellular services in various regions. In response to the protests, authorities suspended mobile phone and internet services in various areas, including Bhimber, Bagh, and Mirpur, on May 12. This measure aimed to curtail coordination among demonstrators and prevent the spread of unrest. As of May 14, internet services have been restored in many parts of AJK, but 4G broadband remains unavailable in cities like Mirpur and Rawalakot. ARY News journalist Sardar Ayaz informed the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) on May 14 that internet services remain disrupted in several AJK cities, hindering journalists’ ability to report on the situation. He expressed concern that the communication blackout could exacerbate unrest. On May 15, the protestors announced an end to their protests. As of May 15, internet services had not been restored in AJK, with citizens complaining about mobile services being slow or completely stopping in some cities and the impact of no internet on business.

Category of Incident

Censorship

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: 0803-Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

ICCS Group: 08039-Other acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

ICCS Class: -

ICCS Crime: Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

Reported By

Propakistani

Date of incident

17

Month

May

Year

2024

Name of affected person

People of AJK

Other affected persons

No

Name of affected organization

N/A

Other affected organizations

No

Action by

Internet closure

City

Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Province

Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Designation

N/A

Professional category

N/A

Age of victim

N/A

Marital Status

N/A

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation announcement by government: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation paid by government: No compensation was announced

Amount of compensation announced by others: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation announced by others: No compensation was announced

Date compensation paid by others: No compensation was announced

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: No

Court where case was presented: Court was not presented in any court

Name of prosecuting lawyer: Court was not presented in any court

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing:

Status of court case: Court was not presented in any court

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

Not condemned

APNS

Not condemned

CPNE

Not condemned

PBA

Not condemned

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

N/A

Employer organization

N/A

Press Club Status

Press club 1: No version was needed

Press club 2: No version was needed

Press club 3: No version was needed