ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) clarified the false information regarding the closure of automated teller machines (ATMs) in Pakistan.
The telecommunication body clarified that there were no issues with the availability or closure of long-distance international (LDI) networks that could impact the IT or financial sectors, including ATM networks.
In a statement, PTA responded to the fake news about the possible closure of ATMs, making it clear that there is currently no problem with the availability or closure of LDI networks that could affect the IT or financial sectors, including ATM networks.
The authority added that the operations of expired LDI licensees are neither suspended nor shut down.
A day earlier, a banking consortium managing the country’s major e-payment gateway also dismissed the “fake” reports about ATM closures.
“The public is advised to ignore such hoaxes and consult their banks for any guidance,” the consortium stated.
Earlier this week, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) spokesperson Noor Ahmad told a private TV channel that the claims are false.
Ahmad also referred to a statement from the consortium denying the reports.
It should be noted that fake news circulating on WhatsApp and social media in Pakistan had warned people to avoid using ATMs and online banking for the next few days due to an alleged “ransomware attack.”
