Syed Saif Ul Hassan 
Oct 20, 2025
Adding to Pakistan's longstanding internet woes, a city-wide internet disruption has gripped Lahore, prompted by unauthorised cable cuts by the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO).
Lahore's internet breakdown comes on the heels of intermittent shutdowns experienced across Pakistan over the past few months.
The city is reportedly suffering from internet and telecom service issues, but recent damage to critical infrastructure has caused major outages across key areas, including Garden Town, Johar Town, Gulberg, Cavalry Ground, and Walton Road.
LESCO has been cutting internet and telecom cables without prior warning or authorisation, impacting both corporate and retail clients. These actions have caused significant business disruptions and financial losses for thousands of users in Lahore, ProPakistani reported.
The problem is said to be driven by LESCO’s demand for a steep 400% increase in Right of Way (RoW) charges for using utility poles that hold internet and telecom cables.
Besides, the power supplier has also urged telecom operators like PTCL and NTC to sign agreements that contradict the government of Pakistan’s approved RoW Policy (2020).
In response, the Pakistan Telecommunication Access Providers Association (PTAPA) has formally urged LESCO to immediately stop cable disconnections and damage and to engage in proper consultations with telecom providers.
PTAPA stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted internet and telecom services, in line with government policy and Pakistan's digital ambitions.
With similar RoW access granted by other authorities like CDA and Pakistan Railways, PTAPA warns that LESCO’s actions undermine Pakistan’s digital progress and must be addressed swiftly.
