PTA rubbishes fake news claiming closure of ATMs across Pakistan

• Operations of expired LDI licensees not suspended or shutdown.
• No such issue of non availability/ closure of LDI networks: PTA
• Fake news circulated on WhatsApp, social media in Pakistan.
  

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Saturday issued clarification about the fake news of automated teller machines (ATMs) facing closures in Pakistan.

The telecommunication body, in its clarification, stated that there was no issue of the availability or closure of long-distance international (LDI) networks that could affect the IT or financial sector including ATM networks.

In a statement issued, PTA said: "In response to the fake news circulating in the media about potential closure of ATMs, it is clarified that currently there is no such issue of non availability/closure of LDI networks that may potentially impact IT or financial sector including ATM networks."

The authority added that operations of the expired LDI licensees are not suspended or shutdown.

A day earlier, a banking consortium, which manages the country's major e-payment gateway, also denied the "fake" reports regarding ATM closures.

"The public is advised not to pay any attention to such hoaxes and consult their banks for any guidance," the consortium stated.

Earlier this week, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) spokesperson Noor Ahmad told Geo Fact Check that the claims are false.

He then referred to a statement from the consortium denying the reports as well.

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".