Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir — Residents of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, particularly in the Poonch Division, are enduring significant hardship as road closures and internet blackouts extend into their second month. These disruptions, which began in June, have severely impacted daily life, access to essential services, and emergency medical care ahead of the region's legislative assembly elections scheduled for July 27.

The situation has created a sense of isolation and desperation for many, with critical journeys becoming arduous ordeals. Zaheer Iqbal, a construction labourer from Keri Kot village, recounted the harrowing experience of transporting his ailing brother to a hospital. Without ambulance services reaching his remote village, Iqbal and relatives had to carry his brother on a makeshift bed to the nearest road, a journey of over 10km. The subsequent need for fuel to reach Hajira and then Islamabad highlighted the severe logistical challenges posed by the ongoing restrictions.

Doctors at the Hajira government hospital, equipped with limited resources, could only stabilize Iqbal’s brother before recommending immediate transfer to a larger facility, preferably in Islamabad, approximately 140km away. This necessitated finding another vehicle and securing more fuel, further delaying critical care. The brother is now recovering in Islamabad after finally receiving treatment.

Iqbal's ordeal occurred amidst widespread protests, strikes, and communication blackouts that have gripped Pakistan-administered Kashmir, formally known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The unrest was triggered in June following the ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition advocating for the removal of 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, among other demands. Weeks of demonstrations and clashes have led to numerous fatalities among both protesters and law enforcement personnel.

For many in Poonch Division, which shares a border with India, and surrounding areas, the prolonged internet and mobile service disruptions have become the most defining aspect of the past six weeks. These restrictions hinder communication, access to information, and economic activities, exacerbating the challenges faced by the local population. The upcoming phased legislative assembly election, set to commence on July 27, is overshadowed by these severe ground realities.

The economic impact of the strikes and shutdowns is also substantial. Businesses have been crippled, and daily wage earners are struggling to make ends meet. The lack of reliable internet connectivity not only affects personal communication but also disrupts online businesses and access to essential digital services, further isolating the region.

Local residents and activists have repeatedly called for the restoration of internet services and the lifting of road blockades, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. They argue that these measures are disproportionately affecting ordinary citizens and hindering their ability to participate in public life and access basic necessities.

As the elections draw nearer, the unresolved issues of communication blackouts and restricted movement continue to cast a shadow over the political process, raising concerns about transparency and the ability of citizens to engage freely. The long-term consequences of these prolonged disruptions on the region's social fabric and economy remain a significant concern.