Internet services in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have been suspended for over 100 days following civil unrest that began in June 2026. The prolonged shutdown has severely impacted local digital commerce, banking, and education, raising significant concerns about the region's ongoing economic stability and regulatory environment.
The digital blackout in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has officially crossed the 100-day mark, as mobile data and broadband services remain largely suspended since the restrictions began on June 5, 2026. The shutdown, which followed a period of intense protests led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) regarding political and electoral reforms, continues to disrupt daily life and commercial activity across the region.
For local businesses and service providers, the impact of such a long-term disconnection is significant. Modern commerce relies heavily on digital connectivity for financial transactions, supply chain management, and customer communication. With internet access restricted, small businesses, digital banking services, and educational portals have faced operational hurdles for over three months. Students have been particularly affected, with numerous entrance examinations being repeatedly postponed as registration platforms and digital study materials remain inaccessible.
While the regional government, now led by Prime Minister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gillani, has maintained that the shutdown is a necessary measure for security and public order, the situation remains closely watched. The regional High Court recently intervened, issuing a directive to the administration to restore internet services within 10 days, with potential exemptions only for specific areas where law and order might be unstable. This legal development is a critical point to monitor, as it highlights a tension between government-mandated security measures and the necessity of restoring economic continuity.
From a broader perspective, the uncertainty surrounding political and regulatory environments can create significant hurdles for long-term stability. When essential infrastructure—such as reliable internet—is suspended to manage civil unrest, it creates an environment of elevated operational risk. For those monitoring economic developments in the region, prolonged service disruptions are often viewed as a sign of underlying stability issues, as they can deter investment and severely hamper the adoption of digital-first business models.
The key factor to track in the coming days will be whether the administration complies with the High Court’s deadline to restore connectivity or if further extensions are pursued. The resolution of this timeline will determine whether local commercial activities can resume or if the region will continue to face economic isolation.