Prolonged disruptions have affected communication, digital banking, businesses and journalists.
MUZAFFARABAD:
Internet services were restored in Muzaffarabad on Wednesday evening, 53 days after broadband connectivity was suspended on June 6, bringing relief to residents, businesses, journalists and other users who were struggling to access online services.
Broadband internet services were restored around 10 p.m. on Wednesday and were operating normally while mobile data services continued to experience connectivity issues.
The prolonged disruption affected communication, digital banking, businesses and journalists covering political and electoral developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir AJK.
The restoration took place ahead of the second phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections in Muzaffarabad division.
The Internet shutdown remains a major concern for residents and the media, especially as the region enters a crucial phase of the electoral process.
Meanwhile, over 1.248 million voters are expected to vote in the second phase of elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on August 2, with polling taking place in 21 constituencies, including nine seats in Muzaffarabad division and 12 seats reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees living in Pakistan.
According to the AJK Election Commission, a total of 351 candidates are in the fray for the second phase of elections. The commission said all voting arrangements had been finalized, with enhanced security measures in place to ensure a peaceful, transparent and orderly electoral process.
Muzaffarabad, the capital of AJK, has once again become the center of political activity as election campaigns enter their final stages. Political parties have intensified rallies, corner meetings and voter awareness campaigns across the city and surrounding districts ahead of polling day.
In Neelum Valley, voting will take place in two constituencies – LA-25 Neelum I and LA-26 Neelum II – where candidates of major political parties are vying for victory.
Muzaffarabad district is expected to witness some of the fiercest electoral contests, with polls scheduled in five constituencies: LA-27 Muzaffarabad I, LA-28 Muzaffarabad II, LA-29 Muzaffarabad III, LA-30 Muzaffarabad IV and LA-31 Muzaffarabad V. Political parties have focused their campaign efforts on these seats, which are considered among the most competitive in the election.
Two constituencies in Jhelum Valley – LA-32 and LA-33 – are also expected to witness hotly contested races.
Besides voters from AJK, refugees from Jammu and Kashmir residing in Pakistan will participate in the second phase of voting. Elections will be held for six refugee constituencies of Jammu (LA-34 to LA-39) and six refugee constituencies of Kashmir Valley (LA-40 to LA-45).
Political analysts believe that these 12 refugee constituencies could play a decisive role in determining the composition of AJK’s next government, making them a key target for major political parties.
Here, several constituencies have emerged as closely watched contests, where high-profile politicians vie for crucial seats.
Former Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas will contest from LA-25 Neelum Valley against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Azad Kashmir and former President Shah Ghulam Qadir. Qadir is also participating from LA-26 Neelum.
Acting President and former President Chaudhry Latif Akbar is in the race from LA-31 Muzaffarabad-5, while former Prime Minister Raja Muhammad Farooq Ahmed Khan is in the race from LA-32 Muzaffarabad-6, covering Jhelum Valley.
The electoral field also includes former Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, adding even more significance to contests involving former prime ministers, former presidents and other top political leaders.
