Slow internet service in Pakistan-administered Kashmir is nothing new, however, on September 28, 2025, with the start of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Public Action Committee protest, the government had completely suspended mobile and internet service.
The service was restored on October 4, but according to users, the internet speed is much slower than usual.
While 5G service has been officially launched in Pakistan, 4G internet in Kashmir is also suffering from severe slowdown, over which citizens have expressed serious concern and displeasure.
The government of Pakistan had provided Rs 9 billion in spectrum and Rs 10 billion in Universal Service Fund (USF) to the Kashmir government for the promotion of telecommunication and broadband services. Interestingly, instead of spending this money on the purpose for which it was given, it was transferred to the Social Protection Fund, which has not been activated even after two years.
The Prime Minister recently announced that the work of laying fiber to provide the fastest internet in the region will start soon. However, when the Prime Minister’s Secretariat was asked about the completion of this project, the spokesperson said:
“We have laid the foundation of this project, but it is difficult to complete it in three months. The next government will complete it.”
Faisal Jamil, a core member of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Public Action Committee, questioned the government’s claims and said:
“Fiber was laid by the SCO earlier too, but despite this, the internet service continues to be slow.”
He said that unless practical steps are taken to ensure transparent use of funds and improve the quality of service, mere announcements will not change the situation.
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