MUZAFFARABAD: Internet services were restored in parts of the Muzaffarabad division on Wednesday after remaining suspended for 54 days, bringing relief to residents who had repeatedly demanded an end to the blanket shutdown.

The authorities imposed the curbs on June 5, hours after the JAAC was outlawed.

Although tensions remained centered in the Poonch division, the situation in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions had largely returned to normal.

During a reception on Wednesday evening, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari reiterated his demand for internet restoration. “I got the internet restored in Mirpur, and I will ensure it is restored in Muzaffarabad as well.”

Moments later, attendees began receiving mobile notifications indicating that services had resumed, albeit at reduced speeds.

The restoration was greeted with relief by residents. But as broadband services resumed, many users complained that cellular data remained frustratingly slow. It was not immediately clear whether the restoration covered the entire division or was limited to the capital.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2026