On Monday, a disruption in the connectivity of various banks with 1LINK, the consortium managing Pakistan’s largest interbank network, caused widespread inconvenience for customers attempting to withdraw cash from automated teller machines (ATMs).
The disruption led to a temporary blockade of ATM cash withdrawals, leaving many customers frustrated. Additionally, the issue also affected online money transfers, adding to the difficulties faced by bank customers.
In response to the mounting concerns, officials at 1LINK acknowledged the connectivity issues with some banks and assured that efforts were underway to resolve the problem as quickly as possible, as reported by media outlets.
This incident comes in the wake of previous concerns raised in August, when rumors about widespread ATM closures circulated across Pakistan. At that time, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) stepped in to clarify the situation, dismissing the reports as “fake news.”
The PTA had assured the public that there was no disruption in ATM operations, nor any suspension of services related to long-distance and international (LDI) networks that could impact the IT or financial sectors, including ATM networks.
The authority confirmed that operations of expired LDI licencees were not suspended or shut down, ensuring the continued availability of financial services.
