Rumours of a nationwide internet blackout in Pakistan for 18 hours have sparked widespread concern on social media. However, the claim is false — the country is not facing any planned internet suspension.
Over the past 24 hours, multiple posts on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that internet services in Pakistan would be unavailable for 18 hours starting at 11 AM on Tuesday, triggering panic among users. Many of these posts carried identical language and formatting, amplifying the rumour and making it appear credible.
One user wrote, “Nationwide Internet Shutdown for 18 Hours Starting 11 AM Tomorrow.” Another added, “The internet in Pakistan is about to shut down in sometime. God knows what’s gonna happen in that time frame.”
These claims have since circulated widely, causing confusion and uncertainty online.
Reality: Maintenance Work, Not Internet Suspension
In reality, there is no scheduled nationwide internet blackout. The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has clarified that users may experience temporary degradation or intermittent disruptions due to maintenance on one of its submarine cables.
“A maintenance activity is planned on one of our submarine cables to repair a faulty repeater. The activity will start on October 14, 2025, at around 11 AM PST and may last up to 18 hours,” PTCL said in its official statement.
This means users in different parts of the country may notice slower speeds or occasional connectivity issues, but internet access will not be completely suspended.
Why This Matters
False claims of internet shutdowns can create unnecessary panic among businesses, institutions, and the general public. PTCL has assured users that the maintenance work is routine and measures have been taken to minimize service disruption.
Users are advised to rely on official announcements rather than unverified posts on social media.
