ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has debunked rumors circulating on social media about the potential closure of ATMs in Pakistan.
In a statement, the PTA clarified that there are no issues with the availability or closure of long-distance international (LDI) networks that could impact the IT or financial sector, including ATM networks.
The authority also stated that operations of expired LDI licensees have not been suspended or shut down. This confirmation comes after a banking consortium, which manages the country’s major e-payment gateway, and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also denied the fake reports.
The public has been advised to disregard such hoaxes and consult their banks for guidance. The rumors had falsely warned of an alleged “ransomware attack” and advised people to avoid using ATMs and online banking for several days.
Earlier, a rumor spread on social media stating that the PTA has warned of ATM closure countywide due to LDI license expiry affecting both online banking and internet speed in Pakistan.
