Prolonged disruptions had affected communications, 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 had been struggling to access online services.
Broadband internet services were restored around 22 on Wednesday and was operating normally, while mobile data services continued to face connectivity issues.
The prolonged disruption had affected communications, digital banking, businesses and journalists covering political and electoral developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir AJK.
The recovery came ahead of the second phase of AJK Legislative Assembly elections in Muzaffarabad Division.
The internet shutdown remained a major concern for residents and media organizations, especially as the region entered a crucial phase of the election process.
Meanwhile, more than 1.248 million voters are set to cast their votes in the second phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections on August 2, with polling for 21 constituencies, including nine seats in Muzaffarabad division and 12 seats reserved for Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
According to AJK’s election commission, a total of 351 candidates are running in the second phase of the election. The commission said all arrangements for voting have been completed, with enhanced security measures in place to ensure a peaceful, transparent and orderly election process.
Muzaffarabad, the capital of AJK, has once again become the center of political activity as election campaigns entered their final phase. Political parties have intensified rallies, corner meetings and voter outreach campaigns across the city and surrounding districts ahead of election day.
In Neelum Valley, polling will take place in two constituencies – LA-25 Neelum I and LA-26 Neelum II – where candidates from major political parties are vying for victory.
The district of Muzaffarabad 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, which have focused most on these political parties as the political parties have focused on V. competitive in the election.
Two constituencies in Jhelum Valley – LA-32 and LA-33 – are also expected to witness closely contested races.
In addition to voters in AJK, refugees from Jammu and Kashmir living in Pakistan will participate in the second phase of voting. Elections will be held for six Jammu constituencies (LA-34 to LA-39) and six Kashmir Valley constituencies (LA-40 to LA-45).
Political analysts believe that these 12 refugee constituencies could play a crucial role in determining the composition of the next AJK government, making them a key focus for major political parties.
Here, several constituencies have emerged as closely monitored competitions, where leading political figures compete for decisive seats.
Former Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas will contest from LA-25 Neelum Valley against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Azad Kashmir President and former Speaker Shah Ghulam Qadir. Qadir is also contesting from LA-26 Neelum.
Acting President and former Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar is contesting 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 constituency also includes former prime minister Raja Farooq Haider, adding further prominence to the contests involving former prime ministers, former speakers and other senior political leaders.
