Prolonged disruption had affected communication, digital banking, businesses and journalists
MUZAFFARABAD:
Internet services were restored in Muzaffarabad on Wednesday night, 53 days after broadband connectivity was suspended on June 6 bringing relief to residents, businesses, journalists and other users who had struggled to access online services.
Broadband internet services were restored at around 10pm Wednesday and were functioning normally while mobile data services continued to face connectivity problems.
The prolonged disruption had affected communication, digital banking, businesses and journalists covering political and electoral developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir AJK.
The restoration came ahead of the second phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections in Muzaffarabad Division.
The internet shutdown had remained a major concern for residents and media organisations particularly as the region entered a crucial phase of the electoral process.
Meanwhile, more than 1.248 million voters are set to cast their ballots in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections on August 2, with polling to be held for 21 constituencies, including nine seats in the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 seats reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees living in Pakistan.
According to the AJK Election Commission, a total of 351 candidates are contesting the second phase of the elections. The commission said all arrangements for polling have been finalised, with enhanced security measures in place to ensure a peaceful, transparent and orderly electoral process.
Muzaffarabad, the capital of AJK, has once again become the centre of political activity as election campaigns entered their final stages. Political parties have intensified rallies, corner meetings and voter outreach campaigns across the city and surrounding districts ahead of polling day.
In Neelum Valley, voting will take place in two constituenciesLA-25 Neelum I and LA-26 Neelum IIwhere candidates from major political parties are vying for victory.
The district of Muzaffarabad is expected to witness some of the fiercest electoral contests, with polling scheduled in five constituencies: LA-27 Muzaffarabad I, LA-28 Muzaffarabad II, LA-29 Muzaffarabad III, LA-30 Muzaffarabad IV and LA-31 Muzaffarabad V. Political parties have focused campaign efforts on these seats, which are considered among the most competitive in the election.
Two constituencies in Jhelum ValleyLA-32 and LA-33are also expected to witness closely contested races.
In addition to voters in AJK, refugees from Jammu and Kashmir residing in Pakistan will participate in the second phase of polling. Elections will be held for six Jammu refugee constituencies (LA-34 to LA-39) and six Kashmir Valley refugee constituencies (LA-40 to LA-45).
Political analysts believe these 12 refugee constituencies could play a decisive role in determining the composition of the next AJK government, making them a key focus for major political parties.
Here several constituencies have emerged as closely-watched contests, where leading political figures are competing for crucial seats.
Former prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas will contest from LA-25 Neelum Valley against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Azad Kashmir President and former speaker Shah Ghulam Qadir. Qadir is also contesting from LA-26 Neelum.
Acting President and former speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar is contesting from LA-31 Muzaffarabad-5, while former prime minister Raja Muhammad Farooq Ahmed Khan is in the race from LA-32 Muzaffarabad-6, covering Jhelum Valley.
The electoral field also includes former prime minister Raja Farooq Haider, adding further prominence to the contests involving former prime ministers, former speakers and other senior political leaders.
