Prolonged disruptions 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 been facing difficulties in accessing online services.
Broadband internet services were restored around 10pm on Wednesday and were working normally, while mobile data services continued to face connectivity issues.
The prolonged disruption had affected communications, 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 AJK Legislative Assembly elections in Muzaffarabad division.
The internet shutdown remained a major concern for residents and the media, especially as the region entered a crucial phase of the electoral process.
Meanwhile, over 1.248 million voters will cast their votes in the second phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections on August 2, with polling to be held for 21 constituencies, including nine seats in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 seats reserved for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir living in Pakistan.
According to the AJK election commission, a total of 351 candidates will participate in the second phase of the elections. The commission said all arrangements for the elections have been finalized and enhanced security measures have been implemented to ensure a peaceful, transparent and orderly electoral process.
Muzaffarabad, the capital of AJK, has once again become the center 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 election day.
In Neelum Valley, voting will take place in two electoral districts: LA-25 Neelum I and LA-26 Neelum II, where candidates from the major political parties compete for victory.
Muzaffarabad district is expected to witness some of the fiercest electoral contests, with elections 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 their campaign efforts on these seats, which are considered among the most competitive in the election.
Two constituencies in Jhelum Valley, LA-32 and LA-33, are also expected to witness close races.
Apart from AJK voters, refugees from Jammu and Kashmir residing in Pakistan will take part in the second phase of elections. Elections will be held for six refugee constituencies of Jammu (LA-34 to LA-39) and six refugee constituencies of Kashmir Valley (LA-40 to LA-45).
Political analysts believe that these 12 refugee constituencies could play a decisive role in determining the composition of the next AJK government, making them a key focus for the main political parties.
Several constituencies have emerged here as closely watched races, where prominent political figures compete for crucial seats.
Former Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas will contest from LA-25 Neelum Valley against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and former Azad Kashmir spokesperson Shah Ghulam Qadir. Qadir also competes 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 contesting from LA-32 Muzaffarabad-6, which covers Jhelum Valley.
The electoral field also includes former prime minister Raja Farooq Haider, adding greater prominence to contests involving former prime ministers, former speakers and other senior political leaders.
