Rumours of an 18-hour nationwide internet shutdown have spread across social media, creating panic among users in Pakistan. Many users on X claimed that internet services would remain suspended across the country from 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
The claims quickly gained traction as several similar posts appeared online, warning of a complete internet blackout. One user wrote, “Nationwide Internet Shutdown for 18 Hours Starting 11 AM Tomorrow,” while others shared identical posts that fueled further confusion and concern.
However, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) confirmed that no such shutdown is planned. The company explained that users might experience slower internet speeds or brief disruptions because of maintenance work on one of its submarine cables.
According to PTCL, engineers will repair a faulty repeater on October 14, 2025, starting at 11 a.m. The work may continue for up to 18 hours. The company stated that the activity could temporarily affect internet speed and connectivity in some areas.
PTCL expressed regret over the inconvenience and assured users that the internet will remain operational throughout the maintenance period.
