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By Tanveer Ahmed :
Prolonged outage disrupts education, businesses and election campaigning as subscribers seek compensation for unused data packages
Internet services across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have remained suspended for 37 consecutive days, causing widespread disruption to daily life and prompting growing calls for telecom operators to compensate customers for unused internet packages.
The shutdown, which began on June 6, has affected students, businesses, journalists, freelancers and thousands of people who rely on internet access for work, education and communication.
Despite the prolonged outage, subscribers say several mobile operators—excluding the Special Communications Organisation (SCO)—have continued charging customers for internet bundles that could not be used during the blackout.
Users seek refunds for unused internet packages
Many internet users argue that millions of subscribers have collectively incurred substantial financial losses after paying for mobile data packages that remained unusable throughout the shutdown.
Consumer groups and residents are urging telecom companies to either refund the cost of inactive internet packages or adjust customers’ balances once services are restored.
The issue has sparked criticism on social media, with users calling for greater consumer protection during prolonged service interruptions.
Education, businesses and politics affected
The extended internet suspension has disrupted multiple sectors across Azad Kashmir.
Students have struggled to access online learning resources, while freelancers and digital businesses have reported interruptions to their work and income.
Journalists have also faced difficulties in gathering and sharing news, while businesses dependent on online communication have experienced operational challenges.
Political observers say the outage has also affected election-related activities, limiting the ability of political parties and candidates to conduct digital campaigns or engage with voters through online platforms.
SCO waives internet charges
Unlike other service providers, the Special Communications Organisation (SCO) has announced that it will not charge GPON and DSL customers for periods during which internet services remained unavailable.
In a message sent to subscribers, the organisation confirmed that charges for disrupted days would be waived, ensuring customers are not billed for services they could not access.
The decision has been welcomed by users, who say it provides relief to customers affected by the prolonged outage.
Calls for equal treatment by all operators
Residents are now urging other telecom companies to adopt a similar approach by reimbursing customers or adjusting charges for unused internet packages purchased since the shutdown began.
Consumer rights advocates say telecom operators should ensure customers are not financially disadvantaged when extended network outages prevent access to paid services.
Growing dependence on digital connectivity
The prolonged disruption highlights the increasing importance of reliable internet services in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, where digital connectivity has become essential for education, commerce, public services and communication.
Experts note that extended internet outages can have significant economic consequences, particularly for freelancers, online businesses and remote workers who depend on uninterrupted connectivity.
Authorities have yet to announce when full internet services will be restored across the region, while affected users continue to call for greater transparency and fair compensation for the prolonged disruption.
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