‘Collapsed’: Roadblocks, internet blackout leave Pakistani Kashmir in limbo

Residents across Pakistan-administered Kashmir are navigating a difficult landscape as prolonged protests and government-enforced internet shutdowns paralyze the region. For citizens like Zaheer Iqbal, the lack of mobility and communication access is not just an inconvenience but a life-threatening crisis. Iqbal recently spent hours coordinating fuel and transport for his brother, who collapsed with chest pain, highlighting how roadblocks and fuel scarcity complicate basic emergency care.

The current unrest stems from actions taken by the Joint Awami Action Committee. After the group was banned in June, weeks of clashes followed. While authorities claim that life has returned to a normal pace in areas like Muzaffarabad, the daily reality in the Poonch Division remains defined by connectivity gaps and economic strain. Students are facing a lost academic year as entrance exams for medical colleges sit in limbo, and local businesses report that digital silence has decimated their revenue.

Economic impacts are reaching every corner of society. Small business owners cannot process payments or contact clients, forcing some to travel hours simply to find a mobile signal. Meanwhile, food prices have surged due to supply chain disruptions. Many residents who once supported the committee are expressing frustration that current protests over legislative seats are prioritized over immediate needs like food affordability and utility access.

Government officials maintain that some services remain active, but residents argue that the disconnect between official statements and the situation on the ground is widening. As the region approaches a phased legislative assembly election, the community remains divided on whether their path forward lies in the ballot box or further protests. For now, the combination of digital isolation and physical blockades continues to restrict the lives of thousands of people.