Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s upcoming elections face a digital dilemma. With internet services suspended for nearly two months, political parties warn the blackout undermines fair campaigning and public access to reliable information. Main Developments PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin has formally requested the region’s chief election commissioner to intervene. In a letter to retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, Yasin argued the internet shutdown hampers electioneering and voters' ability to obtain accurate information. Yasin stressed that modern campaigns rely on internet access to share manifestos and engage with the electorate. He warned the blackout creates a vacuum for rumors and misinformation, distorting the electoral environment. Read also: GB Chief Minister Names 12 Cabinet Ministers from PPP, IPP Background Internet services across AJK have been suspended since June 5, 2026. The government imposed the shutdown citing a law and order situation. The disruption has continued for over seven weeks, affecting all mobile and broadband services in the region. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has publicly criticized the shutdown and called for its restoration. Yasin’s letter was faxed and sent by registered post to the CEC, with copies forwarded to the chief secretary and Bilawal’s focal person. Why It Matters The internet shutdown directly threatens electoral transparency. Without digital access, parties cannot effectively communicate with voters, and citizens lose the ability to verify campaign claims. Misinformation can flourish unchecked, potentially skewing public opinion ahead of polling day. AJK elections are seen as a significant political test. Any perception of an unfair process could undermine public trust in the results and the credibility of the democratic exercise. What's Next The Election Commission must now decide whether to take up Yasin’s request with the relevant authorities. A coordinated response involving the chief secretary and security agencies will be needed to restore services before the election campaign intensifies. Without timely action, the window for a fair digital campaign narrows further. The coming days will reveal whether the commission prioritizes internet access as a cornerstone of electoral integrity.