Internet shutdown in Pakistan-administered Kashmir passes 100 days

September 15, 2026 at 10:47 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Internet access has been suspended in Pakistan-administered Kashmir for more than 100 days, with mobile data and broadband services cut since June 5. The shutdown began after authorities banned the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee and cracked down on protests demanding electoral reform. Staggered elections concluded on August 10, but the partial blackout continues to disrupt banking, education, and business activity.

Key Facts

Mobile data and broadband services have been suspended in Pakistan-administered Kashmir since June 5, according to NetBlocks.
The final phase of staggered elections took place on August 10, but the partial internet shutdown continues.
Residents and local estimates put the death toll from the crackdown at over 50, including seven law enforcement personnel.
Authorities banned the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) on June 5, the same day the internet shutdown was imposed.

Shutdown Duration and Scope

Internet access has been severely restricted in Pakistan-administered Kashmir for more than 100 days. Mobile data and broadband services have been suspended since June 5, when protests for electoral reform erupted. NetBlocks, an independent internet observatory, confirmed the partial blackout has continued since that date. Access to websites and apps used for online banking remains unavailable, affecting business activity across the region.

Elections and Government Formation

In response to the unrest, staggered elections were held over three rounds, with the final phase taking place on August 10. Voting did not take place in certain protest strongholds for security reasons. The government was formed based on election results from the rest of the autonomous region. Despite the formation of the new government, the partial internet shutdown continues to disrupt everyday life.

Protest Origins and Casualties

The unrest began in the lead-up to local elections scheduled for July 27. On June 5, authorities banned the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a grassroots umbrella organisation that demanded the removal of 12 seats in the legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. Authorities imposed an internet shutdown on June 5 and cracked down on protests violently, culminating in deadly clashes on July 27. Residents and local estimates say the death toll has surpassed 50, including seven law enforcement personnel, though the figures could not be independently verified.