Why Is Life in PoJK’s Muzaffarabad Turning Into a Daily Blackout?

July 1, 2025: Life in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has been severely disrupted due to persistent electricity failures and unreliable internet services, sparking outrage among residents and civil society groups.

Local citizens are reporting dangerously low voltage levels, resulting in damaged electrical appliances, particularly as temperatures soar across the region. While some minor fixes have been implemented after intervention from officials, the core power supply issue remains unresolved.

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Syed Musharraf Javed Gelani of the Awami Action Committee, which is actively voicing public concerns, stated,“Voltage problems persist across Muzaffarabad. With rising heat, appliances are breaking down. We met with the Commissioner and saw temporary solutions in parts of the city, but the crisis continues.”

In parallel, internet woes have further complicated life for students, traders, journalists, and civil society members, who are struggling with poor connectivity and soaring internet costs. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is under fire for imposing heavy taxes and increasing package prices, making access unaffordable for many.“Traders, journalists, shopkeepers – everyone is frustrated. Instead of helping, the PTA is creating more barriers with poor service and high charges. This needs to change,” Gelani emphasized.

The Awami Action Committee is now demanding urgent government intervention, vowing to mobilize larger public action if their demands are not met. They are pushing for permanent infrastructure improvements and a rollback of taxes to ease the burden on the region’s already strained population.