MUZAFFARABAD: AJK internet restoration will begin within 48 hours, Prime Minister Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gillani said Sunday, with educational institutions receiving priority access during the phased rollout.
Gillani announced the plan during his first visit to the Central Press Club after taking office. He also pledged to fully reopen Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s entry and exit routes within 48 hours.
Internet services across AJK were suspended on June 5 ahead of protests called by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
The prolonged shutdown subsequently disrupted education, businesses and government services, particularly affecting students and freelancers.
Read: AJK Mobile Internet Suspension Ordered Before June 9 Strike
The AJK government proscribed JAAC under the region’s anti-terrorism law on June 5. The organisation had demanded the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Gillani said his administration would prioritise good governance, public services and administrative efficiency.
Read: PTA Internet Disruption Warning Issued After SMW5 Fault
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader became AJK’s 17th prime minister on August 28. He secured 30 votes in the AJK Legislative Assembly, defeating Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Sardar Mukhtar Ahmed Abbasi, who received 14.
Gillani has also identified employment, merit-based recruitment, transparency, the digital economy and anti-corruption measures among his government’s priorities.
