As fears of a cyber war rise in the wake of growing military tensions between India and Pakistan, the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has dismissed viral rumours of a shutdown in ATM and online banking services across the country.
In an official advisory issued on Wednesday, CERT clarified that there has been no cyberattack on Pakistan’s banking system, and that all ATM and online banking services remain fully operational. The organisation warned the public to beware of false, unverified social media messages claiming nationwide service disruptions.
“No ATM has been shut down, nor has any cyberattack on the banking infrastructure been reported,” the advisory stated. “The banking system is functioning as usual.”
CERT confirmed that all financial institutions and their respective cybersecurity teams are on high alert as a precaution, but emphasized that there is no credible threat at this time.
The State Bank of Pakistan also backed the statement, reinforcing that there has been no disruption in banking operations, and urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing sensitive financial information.
In light of the false alarm, CERT offered practical safety tips:
- Do not share your ATM card or banking details with anyone.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links circulating online.
- Verify information only from credible sources.
- Inspect ATMs before use, and report anything unusual to authorities.
CERT warned that such fake messages are designed to create panic, confusion, and mistrust among citizens and institutions. The advisory concluded by stating that there is no verified evidence supporting any of the claims being circulated online.
