In the tranquil backdrop of Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the struggle for everyday existence continues amid civil unrest and significant infrastructural challenges. Residents are grappling with the repercussions of severe protests and extended internet shutdowns, profoundly affecting their access to essential services. This situation highlights not only the resilience of the local community but also the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the grievances that have overshadowed their lives in recent weeks.
The ordeal faced by Zaheer Iqbal, a construction laborer from Keri Kot, is emblematic of the struggles endured by residents of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, particularly in the Poonch Division. On a fateful night in mid-June, Iqbal’s elder brother suffered a collapse due to chest pain, prompting an urgent but arduous journey to the nearest hospital, located over 10 kilometers away in Hajira. With no ambulance services available in his village, Iqbal and his family resorted to carrying his brother on a makeshift bed, making a long trek to the nearest road.
The challenges did not end there. After reaching Hajira, a lack of sufficient medical resources required the urgent transfer to a larger facility in Islamabad, necessitating additional arrangements for transportation and fuel. This desperate situation unfolded against a backdrop of widespread protests and civil unrest, which have gripped the region for over six weeks, after a ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)—a coalition advocating for the rights of Kashmiri refugees.
Since the prohibitory measures began, daily life has been significantly disrupted. Roadblocks have hindered movement, while critical services such as mobile data and broadband have been suspended, leaving many residents disconnected and exacerbating their plight. According to Iqbal, while the internet shutdown has had a lesser impact on his immediate circumstances, it remains a crucial resource for students and businesses reliant on connectivity for their livelihoods.
The situation has worsened for traders in the area, with supply shortages following road closures resulting in unfulfilled allocations of essential commodities, leading to increased prices in markets. Malik Niaz Ahmed, the president of the local traders’ association in Sudhnoti district, reported that the lack of subsidized wheat has left families scrambling as they face inflated costs in the market.
As protests continue, the implications extend into the educational sector, with students facing postponed examinations amid persistent connectivity issues. Masood Khan, principal of a local postgraduate college, lamented that the ongoing internet freeze has halted educational progress for many, resulting in an entire generation potentially losing valuable academic opportunities.
In Muzaffarabad, the regional capital, the financial repercussions of the unrest manifest in unexpected ways. Usman Gul, a lawyer who planned his wedding reception amidst the turmoil, faced significant financial setbacks as the internet shutdown rendered banking services inoperative, forcing him to borrow funds to cover wedding expenses. Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing that despite initial support for JAAC’s causes—centering around basic commodities—the increasingly complex demands have lessened public backing.
Government officials have asserted that life in most regions is returning to normal, a claim met with skepticism by residents who express feelings of isolation and frustration. The division between local government narratives and on-the-ground experiences continues to widen as protests descend into ongoing hardships compounded by the uncertainty surrounding upcoming elections.
For residents like Iqbal, the thought of participating in the electoral process is overshadowed by the recent violence and instability. Many others, though, still see the necessity for change through political avenues. As these communities forge their paths forward, the need for harmonious solutions that address both grievances and everyday realities remains urgent.
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