Internet and television services across several commercial areas of Lahore were disrupted after Lahore Electric Supply Company teams again cut fiber optic cables belonging to internet providers and cable operators.
According to telecom and cable operator sources, the action took place on Jail Road, Queens Road, Gulberg, and near Nazariya Pakistan, disrupting services and reportedly affecting Rescue 1122 emergency operations.
The move triggered strong protests from Pakistan Telecommunication Access Providers Association and Cable Operators Pakistan, which said cutting cables left offices, schools, and colleges without internet connectivity across the city.
LESCO cut the fiber cables of internet companies operating in various parts of Lahore. Due to which online services to schools,hospitals,banks,security cameras and 1122 service were also suspended.@CMComplaintCell @commissionerlhr @MaryamNSharif @GovtofPunjabPK @SaimaFarooq pic.twitter.com/YFt8npd8SZ
— PTAPA-Pakistan Telecom Access Provider Association (@PTAPATelecom) March 12, 2026
Chaudhry Tahir Javaid, general secretary of Cable Operators Pakistan, said the country faces economic crisis while authorities urge online classes and office work, making reliable internet necessary for every person.
PTAPA also protested, saying the government recently concluded a 5G spectrum auction while Lahore residents were losing internet access, adding the association had already sent formal complaints to authorities earlier.
Commissioner Lahore Division Marryam Khan had directed LESCO and PTAPA to prepare a joint plan addressing hanging wires, with 503 LESCO teams formed for the citywide campaign across the city.
In October 2025, a similar drive caused outages in Garden Town, Johar Town, Gulberg, Cavalry Ground, and Walton Road amid a dispute over Right of Way charges with LESCO demanding.
LESCO has argued operators used its poles for decades without fees and that unused cables create hazards, but critics say cutting lines without coordination harms citizens relying on digital connectivity.
