PoJK residents struggle as lockdown, internet shutdown deepens hardship in Muzaffarabad
Muzaffarabad Jul, y 9
Residents of Muzaffarabad have voiced growing frustration over a month-long lockdown, saying prolonged restrictions, internet disruptions, banking problems and the closure of educational institutions have severely disrupted daily life and pushed businesses to the brink.
Several residents urged the governments of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) to resolve the crisis through dialogue instead of prolonged restrictions. They argued that internet shutdowns, transport disruptions and the suspension of banking services have left people unable to access essential services or conduct business.
Khawaja Ahmed, a resident of Muzaffarabad, said the continuing restrictions have created widespread uncertainty, with people struggling to obtain food, fuel and other necessities. He stressed that the government should engage in negotiations rather than relying on force, warning that prolonged closures are worsening the humanitarian situation.
Former chairman of the District Zakat Committee, Riaz Argham, criticised the shutdown of markets and said traders have suffered heavy financial losses. He claimed many shopkeepers are reluctant to support strikes but feared damage to their businesses if they remained open. According to him, prolonged closures are harming ordinary citizens rather than resolving political disputes.
Mohd Ajmal Qureshi, a long-time traders' representative from Muzaffarabad, said businesses have effectively come to a standstill because internet services remained unavailable. He noted that banking transactions, online trade, payments and supply chains have all been disrupted, leaving traders unable to operate. He also expressed concern over the continued closure of schools and universities, saying students were losing valuable academic time.
Residents further said petrol shortages and limited public transport have made travel increasingly difficult, while hospitals are becoming harder to access due to financial and logistical constraints.
Shabbir Ahmed Chak, another resident, said ordinary people are bearing the brunt of the crisis, as many could not withdraw money from banks or purchase essential goods.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The irony is that Pakistan claims to care about Kashmiris yet imposes such harsh lockdowns and internet blackouts. Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, we have restored internet and basic services after abrogation of Article 370. The contrast couldn't be clearer 😐
As someone from Srinagar, I feel their pain. But we must remember that PoJK is illegally occupied by Pakistan. The solution lies in them joining India, not in Pakistan's failed governance. These people deserve better - development, peace and freedom from this endless cycle of misery.
This is what happens when governments prioritize political control over human welfare. The internet shutdown is especially cruel - it cuts people off from the world during a pandemic. I hope the international community takes notice and pressures Pakistan to restore basic freedoms.
The traders and students are the ones suffering most. No internet means no business, no education. Pakistan's mismanagement is creating a humanitarian crisis. If India controlled PoJK, we would have ensured basic amenities and connectivity 🇮🇳
Article says residents want dialogue instead of force. That's the sensible approach. But sadly, Pakistan has a history of using heavy-handed tactics in PoJK. The people there deserve self-determination, not this oppression. India should raise this at the UN.
A Ananya R