Muzaffarabad
Residents of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are struggling with frequent electricity outages and poor internet connectivity, affecting daily life, businesses, and essential services. Many locals report low voltage damaging their electrical appliances, a problem worsened by rising temperatures in recent years. The Awami Action Committee, a local civil society group, is urging the government to take immediate action.
Syed Musharraf Javed Gelani, a committee member, said that while some issues were fixed after talks with officials, the voltage problem remains unresolved. Alongside electricity troubles, poor internet service is causing problems for traders, journalists, students, and others. High internet costs and unreliable connections are making digital access difficult.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has faced criticism for imposing heavy taxes and raising internet package prices, which many say burden users unnecessarily. Gelani called on the PTA to lower taxes and package costs to make internet access easier.
The Awami Action Committee is determined to keep pressure on the government until lasting improvements are made. They plan to rally public support and demand better infrastructure and affordable services to ease the daily challenges faced by Muzaffarabad’s residents.