KARACHI: A disruption in the connectivity of various banks with 1LINK — the consortium that operate the largest representative of interbank network in Pakistan — caused immense difficulties for the customers on Monday to withdraw cash from the automated teller machines (ATMs).

The disruption resulted in a blockade targeting the cash withdrawal from the ATMs affecting many customers.

According to the banks’ customers, the online money transfer was also affected as a consequence of the disruption.

Moreover, in response to the customers’ worries and concerns, the officials at 1LINK said that the connectivity with some banks was affected as the issue is being resolved.

Notably, earlier in August, days after alleged reports of ATMs facing closures across Pakistan began circulating, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued a clarification, busting the "fake news".

"In response to the fake news circulating in the media about potential closure of ATMs, it is clarified that currently there is no such issue of non availability/closure of LDI networks that may potentially impact IT or financial sector including ATM networks," the PTA had said in its statement.

The authority added that operations of the expired LDI licensees are not suspended or shutdown.