In the wake of the Indian attack on several Pakistani cities — which killed at least 31 people, including civilians, and destroyed religious sites — the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has dismissed viral rumors of an impending shutdown of ATM and online banking services across the country amid fears of cyberattacks.
The strike has intensified tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, sparking fears of a broader conflict as Pakistan vows retaliation in what is now their most serious clash in over two decades.
In a formal advisory issued on Wednesday, the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) confirmed that Pakistan’s banking infrastructure remains secure and fully operational, dismissing widespread social media rumors suggesting cyberattacks or service outages.
“There has been no shutdown of ATMs, nor any cyberattack targeting the banking network,” CERT clarified, adding that online and ATM services are functioning normally nationwide. The advisory urged the public to disregard unverified claims circulating online and to refrain from spreading misinformation.
While CERT acknowledged that all financial institutions are maintaining a heightened state of alert, it stressed that no credible cyber threat has been identified.
The State Bank of Pakistan echoed these assurances, confirming that there have been no disruptions to banking operations. The central bank also advised the public to remain calm and exercise caution by not sharing personal or financial information in response to unverified messages.
